Al Freeman Jr was a renowned actor, director, and educator who had a long and distinguished career in theater, film, and television. He was best known for his portrayal of Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad in Spike Lee’s 1992 film Malcolm X, for which he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture. He also played the role of Malcolm X in the 1979 miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. He was a life member of The Actors Studio and a faculty member at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he taught acting and served as the chairman of the theater department. He died on August 9, 2012, at the age of 78. But what was the cause of his death?
Non-communicable Disease
According to a wiki site, Al Freeman Jr died of non-communicable disease. This means that he did not die from an infectious or transmissible disease, such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, or malaria, but from a chronic or degenerative condition, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 71% of all deaths in 2016. They are also more prevalent among older people, as aging increases the risk of developing these diseases.
However, the wiki site did not specify what type of non-communicable disease Al Freeman Jr had, nor did it provide any source for its information. Therefore, it is not clear if this is the official or confirmed cause of his death.
No Official Announcement
In fact, there was no official announcement or confirmation of Al Freeman Jr’s cause of death from his family, his representatives, or his colleagues. His death was first reported by Howard University on August 10, 2012, but the university did not disclose any details about his death, such as the location, the time, or the circumstances. The university only said that it was “with tremendous sadness” that they confirmed his passing and that a statement would be issued later. However, no further statement was ever released by the university.
Similarly, no obituary or funeral notice was published for Al Freeman Jr in any major newspaper or online platform. The only obituaries that appeared were brief and generic ones from online databases such as Legacy.com and IMDb.com, which also did not mention his cause of death. The only tribute that was made public was a memorial service that was held for him at Howard University on September 10, 2012, where his colleagues and students celebrated his life and legacy.
Mystery and Speculation
The lack of official information about Al Freeman Jr’s cause of death has led to some mystery and speculation among his fans and admirers. Some have wondered if he died from natural causes or if there was something more sinister involved. Some have also questioned why his death was not widely reported or acknowledged by the media or the entertainment industry.
One possible explanation for the secrecy and silence surrounding his death could be that he wanted to keep his personal life private and did not want to draw attention to his illness or condition. He may have also requested that his family and friends respect his wishes and not disclose any details about his death to the public. Another possible explanation could be that he did not have any close relatives or associates who could handle his affairs or arrange his funeral. He was married to Sevara E. Clemon since 1960, but it is not known if they had any children or if they were still together at the time of his death.
Whatever the reason, Al Freeman Jr’s cause of death remains unknown and unconfirmed to this day. However, what is certain is that he left behind a remarkable body of work and a lasting impact on the world of theater, film, and television. He will always be remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.
