Albert Reed Jr was an American actor and law enforcement officer who was best known for his recurring role as Alderman Fred C. Davis on the sitcom Good Times. He also appeared on other popular shows such as The Jeffersons, Sanford and Son, and The Secret of Isis. He died on May 31, 1986, at the age of 76, due to a non-communicable disease. This article will explore his life, career, and cause of death in more detail.
Early Life and Career
Albert Reed Jr was born on January 27, 1922, in Greenville, Texas. He served in the US Army during World War II and later moved to Los Angeles, where he pursued a career in acting and law enforcement. He started his acting career in 1969, when he landed a role as Lieutenant Ned Ordway in the disaster film Airport. He then appeared in several TV shows, mostly in supporting or guest roles. His most notable role was as Alderman Fred C. Davis, a corrupt and shady politician who often clashed with the Evans family on Good Times. He played this role from 1974 to 1979, appearing in 17 episodes. He also had a recurring role as Dr. Joshua Barnes, a scientist and mentor to the titular superheroine on The Secret of Isis, from 1975 to 1976. He made guest appearances on The Jeffersons as George’s old friend Henry Van Morris, and on Sanford and Son as Grady Wilson, a cousin of Fred’s. His last film role was in Kapax del Amazonas, a Colombian adventure film released in 1982.
Law Enforcement Career and Death
Aside from his acting career, Reed also worked as a law enforcement officer at the Los Angeles International Airport from 1959 to 1983. He started as a security officer and rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Security from 1979 to 1983. He was responsible for overseeing the safety and security of the airport and its passengers. He retired from his law enforcement career in 1983, after 24 years of service. He died three years later, on May 31, 1986, in Bishop, California. The cause of his death was a non-communicable disease, according to Wikipedia. The exact nature of his disease was not reported, according to Who’s Alive and Who’s Dead.
Legacy and Impact
Albert Reed Jr was a versatile and talented actor who portrayed a variety of characters on screen. He was also a dedicated and respected law enforcement officer who served his community with honor and integrity. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a positive impact on the lives of many people. He was one of the first actors to pass away from the cast of Good Times, as reported by Looper. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is remembered as a pioneer and a trailblazer for Black representation on television and in society.
