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David Alan Grier (June 30, 1956) is a Tony Award winning actor and comedian who has appeared in some retellings of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Biography[]

He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Aretas Ruth a schoolteacher and William Henry Grier a psychiatrist and writer. David Alan Grier trained in Shakespeare at Yale University, where he received an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. He began his career on Broadway as Jackie Robinson in The First which he earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and won the Theatre World Award.

He then joined the Broadway cast of Dreamgirls, before going on to star opposite Denzel Washington in A Soldier's Play, which later both actors reprised their roles in the film adaptation.

Grier gained prominence in the mid-1980s as a cast member on the sketch comedy show "In Living Color," created by Keenen Ivory Wayans. His comedic talent and versatility made him a standout performer on the show, and he became known for his memorable characters and sketches, One sketch, described as "A cross between The Wiz and Flatliners", would prove prophetic, by depicting him as the Cowardly Lion. Grier has been in many television programs, like Martin.

Throughout his career, David Alan Grier has showcased his talents across various entertainment mediums. He has worked in television, film, and theater, earning acclaim for his performances. In addition to his comedic work, he has taken on dramatic roles in both television and film.

His theater credits include Broadway performances, and he has been recognized with several award nominations for his work on the stage. Grier has also appeared in numerous films, including "Boomerang," "Jumanji," and "Bewitched." On the small screen, he has been part of various television projects, including sitcoms and dramas. In recent years, Grier has continued to demonstrate his comedic prowess through various roles, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility. Apart from his entertainment career, David Alan Grier has been involved in philanthropy and social activism. He has used his platform to address social issues and advocate for positive change.

Grier portrayed Uncle Henry in the 2005 TV movie The Muppets' Wizard of Oz alongside Queen Latifah as Aunt Em who played in The Wiz Live! as the title character.

Grier once portrayed the Wizard in a production of The Wiz back in 2006. Grier would return to The Wiz when he portrayed the role of the Cowardly Lion in The Wiz Live!  Grier also portrays a farmhand named Robert (homage to Zeke from The Wizard of Oz). He is afraid of Toto who chases him all the time which foreshadows the character he portrays later in the show.

Credit[]

The Wiz Live! earned Grier an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, and a Critics' Choice Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie Made For Television.

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