The Original Biggie Smalls

From EURweb.com:

Calvin Lockhart, star of stage and screen whose character name of Biggie Smalls in the 1975 film “Let’s Do It Again” was used by late rapper Notorious B.I.G., died Thursday in his native Nassau, Bahamas from complications of a stroke. He was 72.


The actor starred in a string of films in the early to mid-70s, including “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” “Uptown Saturday Night” and “Myra Breckinridge.” He also starred opposite Eddie Murphy in 1988’s “Coming To America,” and in January completed work on “Rain,” an upcoming film shot in the Bahamas.

Born Sept. 18, 1934 in Nassau, Lockhart was classically trained and became the only black actor ever invited to be an actor-in-residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford Upon-Avon.


Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie said the following about Lockhart’s passing: "Although his acting career was of relatively short duration, Calvin's cinematic charisma and talents won him high praise from critics and audiences alike all around the world."

Calvin produced and directed several major stage productions and also appeared on television in London, Germany and the U.S., including the television series “Dynasty.”


Mr. Starks