NEW YORK -- Actor Avon Long, who starred in the role of Sportin' Life in George Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess' and portrayed Chicken George in television's 'Roots II,' died Wednesday. He was 73.
The actor, who was born in Baltimore but lived most of his adult life in Manhattan, died at Columbia-Presbyterian hospital after being admitted to the facility for cancer treatment three weeks ago.
Long appeared in dozens of Broadway plays and films. He was nominated for a Tony in Broadway's 'Don't Play Us Cheap' in 1971.
Before launching his Broadway stage career, he studied voice at the New England Conservatory of Music and went on to sing and dance at Harlem's Cotton Club.
In 1942, Long starred in the role of Sportin' Life in George Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess.
Long's most recent musical was 'Bubblin' Brown Sugar' in which he portrayed John Sage. He had taken that show on the road to Germany but had to cut short the tour due to his illness.
He also performed in 'Brown Boy,' 'Kiss Me Kate,' 'Bloomer Girl,' and 'Carib Song.'
Long appeared in films including 'Trading Places,' 'Harry and Tonto,' 'The Sting,' and 'Finnian's Rainbow.'
He leaves a wife of 48 years, two daughters, a brother, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral was to be held Friday evening at the Walter B. Cooke funeral home in New York.
