Rod Perry, the actor best known for his role as Sgt. David “Deacon” Kay in the 1970s TV series S.W.A.T., passed away on December 17, 2020, at the age of 86. His family announced his death on January 11, 2021, but did not disclose the cause of his death. Perry was also known for his roles in two blaxploitation movies, The Black Godfather (1974) and The Black Gestapo (1975), and for his cameo in the 2003 film version of S.W.A.T., playing the father of the character he originated in the TV series.
A Versatile and Talented Actor
Perry was born on July 30, 1934, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He attended Penn State University on a track scholarship and set the world record in the 200-meter hurdles in 1957. He also played on the basketball team. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960, then moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. He modeled for the Ford agency and appeared on Broadway with Madeline Kahn and Robert Klein in Leonard Sillman’s New Faces of 1968.
Perry’s film debut was in the Indian/Philippine film The Evil Within (1970), where he played a special agent who teamed up with Dev Anand to bust an opium syndicate. He then played the part of cowboy Joe Pittman in the TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974), opposite Cicely Tyson. His character married Tyson’s Jane, who famously aged from 23 to 110 in the landmark project. He also had the lead role in Street Wars aka The Black Godfather (1974), which also starred Don Chastain and Jimmy Witherspoon.
Perry’s most famous role was as Sgt. David “Deacon” Kay in the TV series S.W.A.T., which ran from 1975 to 1976. The role of “Deacon” was to take care of the field communication. Perry starred alongside Steve Forrest and Robert Urich in the show, which was produced by Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg. He reprised his role in a cameo in the 2003 film version of S.W.A.T., playing the father of LL Cool J’s Deke. Jay Harrington plays the character on the current CBS version of the show.
Perry also played the lead role of Gen. Ahmed in the 1975 exploitation flick The Black Gestapo, and appeared in TV shows such as Barney Miller, Good Times, Babylon 5, and Project U.F.O. His last film appearance was in Halloween House Party (2005), which also starred Joe Torry, Rachel Owens and Buddy Lewis.
A Loving Father and a Role Model
Perry was the father of singer DeQn Sue, who released her Zeitgeist album in 2014. He also had four other children, Roderick H. Perry, Roderick M. Perry, Ronald and Phaedra, and three grandchildren, Daniel, Kylee and Ameera. He is survived by his siblings Edward, Archibald, Adelia Ann, Ruby and Juanita.
Perry was a role model for many aspiring actors, especially those of color. He broke barriers and stereotypes with his versatile and powerful performances. He was also a humble and generous person, who supported various causes and charities. He will be missed by his fans, friends and family.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Perry’s family is planning a memorial service for him in Los Angeles later this year. They also request that donations be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.
