Thalmus Rasulala Cause of Death: How the Actor Died from a Heart Attack

Thalmus Rasulala was a talented and versatile actor who appeared in many films, television shows, and theater productions. He was best known for his roles in blaxploitation films such as Blacula, Cool Breeze, and Willie Dynamite, as well as his portrayal of Omoro Kinte, the father of Kunta Kinte, in the acclaimed miniseries Roots. He also had guest appearances on popular shows such as Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, Good Times, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, his life and career were cut short by a sudden and tragic death from a heart attack in 1991. What caused his fatal cardiac arrest and what were the circumstances surrounding his demise? This article will explore the facts and details of Thalmus Rasulala’s cause of death.

Early Life and Career

Thalmus Rasulala was born as Jack Bernarde Crowder on November 15, 1939, in Miami, Florida. He graduated from the University of Redlands and began his acting career under his birth name. He made his Broadway debut in 1967 as Cornelius Hackl in the all-black cast of Hello, Dolly!, starring Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway. He also appeared in several off-Broadway plays and regional theater productions.

He changed his name to Thalmus Rasulala in 1970, after joining the Nation of Islam. He explained that his new name meant “the seeker of truth” in Arabic. He also said that he wanted to distance himself from his previous roles as a “token black” or a “stereotype” in Hollywood.

He became an original cast member of ABC’s soap opera One Life to Live, playing Lt. Jack Neal from 1968 to 1970. He then moved on to star in several blaxploitation films in the early 1970s, such as Sidney Lord Jones in Cool Breeze (1972), Dr. Gordon Thomas in Blacula (1972), and Robert Daniels in Willie Dynamite (1974). He also worked as an assistant director on The Slams (1973).

He continued to act in various genres of films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Some of his notable roles include Skeeter Matthews on Sanford and Son, Ned in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Bill Thomas (Raj and Dee’s father) on What’s Happening!!, Cornbread Hamilton in Cornbread, Earl and Me, Harry Shannon in Mr. Ricco, Roy in Bucktown, Frank Cooper in The Last Hard Men, General Afir in Mom and Dad Save the World, and Captain Robert Toliver on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Death and Legacy

Thalmus Rasulala died on October 9, 1991, at the age of 51, from a heart attack due to complications from leukemia. He was in Albuquerque, New Mexico, filming scenes for the comedy film Mom and Dad Save the World. He had completed his work on the film just hours before he collapsed in his hotel room. He was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

His death was two days before that of comedian Redd Foxx, who also died of a heart attack and with whom he had guest-starred on Sanford and Son. Ironically, Rasulala had played a man warning of heart attacks among African Americans on an episode of Sanford and Son titled “Fred’s Cheating Heart”.

Rasulala was survived by his second wife Shirlyn Mozingo, whom he married in 1984, and their four children. He also had three children from his first marriage to Martha Roberts, which ended in divorce in 1977.

Rasulala’s final film role was as General Afir in Mom and Dad Save the World, which was released a year after his death and dedicated to his memory. His other films and television shows have been rerun on various channels and platforms over the years, preserving his legacy as a talented and versatile actor who broke barriers and stereotypes for African American performers.

According to Wikipedia, Rasulala has been credited with over 80 film and television roles during his career. He also received several awards and nominations for his work, such as an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series for The Sophisticated Gents, a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for For Us the Living: The Medgar Evers Story, and a Black Reel Award for Best Supporting Actor for New Jack City.

Thalmus Rasulala cause of death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, fans, and the entertainment industry. He was a talented and versatile actor who left behind a rich and diverse body of work that showcased his skills and charisma. He will always be remembered as a seeker of truth and a pioneer of black cinema.

Doms Desk

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