Los Angeles — Lee Weaver, a versatile character actor renowned for his roles in both television and cinema over a span of more than 50 years, passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Monday, September 22, 2025. He was 95. According to his family, Weaver’s contributions to the arts were marked by joy, depth, and a representation that enriched every production he was part of.
Born on April 10, 1930, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Lee Wellington Weaver’s journey into the spotlight took a circuitous route. After a childhood spent with his aunt and uncle, Weaver pursued an education at Florida A&M University, followed by a four-year stint in the U.S. Army. Post-military life saw him relocating to New York, where he balanced a day job as a linotype engineer with The New York Times and an evening gig as a promoter at the renowned Birdland jazz club.
It was at Birdland where Weaver rubbed shoulders with jazz giants like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. His friendship with saxophonist Cannonball Adderley led to a unique mention in the jazz world: Adderley’s best man at Weaver’s wedding, inspired the Yusef Lateef composition “The Weaver” featured on the 1964 album “Nippon Soul.”
Weaver’s acting debut came in the late 1950s with minor roles in “Sheena: Queen of the Jungle” and a feature in the 1959 film “Al Capone.” His breakout came with the NBC series “I Spy,” although his recurring stint on “The Tonight Show” under Bill Cosby’s guest host tenure, where he humorously missed his interview slot, also gained him notoriety.
Perhaps most memorable was his role on “The Bill Cosby Show” as Brian Kincaid, marking a significant period during the late 1960s and early 1970s. However, Weaver didn’t just stick to comedy or television. He ventured into eccentric characters like Buck Naked, an exhibitionist he portrayed in “Hill Street Blues” and later “NYPD Blue,” showcasing his ability to handle comedic and dramatic roles with equal aplomb.
During the 1980s, Weaver’s talent continued to shine on television with a stint alongside Jack Elam in the short-lived but beloved “Easy Street,” and made notable guest appearances on a myriad of popular series spanning from “Adam-12” to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” His voice acting in the animated series “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” further highlighted his versatility.
Weaver’s filmography is equally impressive, featuring roles in classics like “Vanishing Point” and “Heaven Can Wait,” and later hits including “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” However, his role in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” as a prophetic blind man remains one of his most celebrated performances.
In his later years, Weaver continued to captivate audiences, with recent roles like Mel Cordray in “Grace and Frankie.” This demonstrated his enduring capability to resonate with contemporary viewers.
The actor leaves behind his wife of 54 years, actress Ta-Tanisha, known for her role in “Room 222,” their daughter Leis, and granddaughter Asha. His legacy is defined not just by the breadth of his roles but by the depth he brought to each performance, weaving a rich tapestry of characters that entertained multiple generations.
Despite the entertainment industry’s evolving landscape, Weaver’s career remained robust, a testament to his adaptability and skill. His presence both on and off the screen will be profoundly missed. The cause of his death was not disclosed by the family.