Share:

Geoffrey Holder

Actor / Writer / Costume Designer / Theatre Director / Musician | * 08/01/1930 († 84, 10/05/2014) | Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
Geoffrey Lamont Holder (August 1, 1930 – October 5, 2014) was a Trinidadian-American actor, dancer, musician, and artist. He was a principal dancer for the Metropolitan Opera Ballet before his film career began in 1957 with an appearance in Carib Gold. In 1973, he played the villainous Baron Samedi in the Bond film Live and Let Die. He also carried out advertising work as the pitchman for 7 Up. ()

Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad of African descent, Holder was an actor known for his towering 200-centimeter (6'6") height, heavily accented deep basso voice and hearty laugh. With that and his appearance in the 1970s 7 Up soft drink "uncola" advertising campaign, Holder's image quickly became recognizable. He was also in the 1967 movie Dr. Dolittle as William Shakespeare, "Willy," and played Baron Samedi, one of the main villain's henchmen, in the 1973 James Bond film, Live and Let Die. Though the 7 Up advertising campaign lasted only a short while in the early 1970s, the company revived the campaign in the early 1980s after Holder achieved a spike in popularity in the 1982 movie version of the musical Annie, in which he played the role of Punjab. He was a prolific painter, ardent art collector, and performer who had also authored books and composed music. As a choreographer, he created dance pieces for many companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Holder was married to dancer Carmen De Lavallade, whom he met when both were in the cast of Truman Capote's House of Flowers. .

Photo of Geoffrey Holder
Most frequent genres for this person: Comedies | Drama | Kids & Family

Known for these Movies & Shows

Awards & Nominations for Geoffrey Holder

Guggenheim Fellowship Tony Award for Best Costume Design Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical Tony Award for Best Costume Design
Ad Protect Your Online Privacy with a VPN

Don't risk your personal information and online activities being exposed to hackers, government surveillance, and other online threats. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP, giving you maximum security and privacy. Take control of your online safety, switch to a VPN now. Choose one of these services to learn more:

Movies with Geoffrey Holder as Actor(25)

as Narrator2008 The Magistical
as himself2005 Carmen & Geoffrey
as Narrator (voice)2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
as Nelson1992 Boomerang
as Narrator1992 Tropical Rainforest
as himself1990 Night Of 100 Stars III
as Johnson1987 Ghost of a Chance
as Ghost of Christmas Future1986 Christmas
as Cheshire Cat1983 Alice in Wonderland
as Punjab1982 Annie
as Self / Punjab1982 Lights, Camera, Annie!
as Jupiter1980 The Gold Bug
as Cudjo1976 Swashbuckler
as Friday1975 The Noah
as (voice)1974 Goggles!
as Baron Samedi1973 Live and Let Die
as William Shakespeare X1967 Doctor Dolittle
as Voo Doo Dancer1957 Carib Gold

TV Shows/Series with Geoffrey Holder as Actor(3)

Movies with Geoffrey Holder as Crew(1)

Crew/Choreographer1973 Live and Let Die

Full Name: Geoffrey Holder
Citizenship: Trinidad and Tobago
Born: Friday, 08/01 1930 (August) in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
Died: Sunday, 10/05 2014 (October) in Manhattan (aged: 84)
Zodiac sign: Leo (Chinese zodiac sign: Horse)
Languages: Old French
Educated at: Queen's Royal College
Spouses (current/former): Carmen De Lavallade
Siblings: Boscoe Holder
Student of: Boscoe Holder
Geoffrey Holder frequently works together with these people:
Plácido Domingo (5x, Actor)
Blythe Danner (4x, Actress)
Geraldine Fitzgerald (4x, Actress)
Frederica von Stade (4x, Actress)
Julie Andrews (3x, Actress)
Woody Allen (3x, Actor)
John Huston (3x, Actor)
Ann Reinking (3x, Actress)
Carol Sobieski (3x, Crew)
Bob Minor (3x, Crew)
Carmen De Lavallade (3x, Actress)
WatchPlayStream ID: PEOPLE:90871, Added: 05/26/2018, Last updated: 03/22/2024