Brock Peters, 1927 - 2005.

Actor Brock Peters, best known for his heartbreaking performance as the black man falsely accused of rape in To Kill a Mockingbird, died Tuesday at his home after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 78.

Gary Gentile for the AP.

Now mind you, from day one I had to arrive at a point where I burst into tears, could not contain them, had to try to stifle them, and that's not easy to do but in [Robert] Mulligan's hands it became very possible. Once we were on track I needed to go only to the places of pain, remembered pain, experienced pain and the tears would come, really at will.

Brock Peters.

His explosively convincing performances in the roles proved as much a burden as a blessing. With his dark skin, searing eyes and intimidating scowl, Mr Peters was quickly type-cast as the archetypal, menacing, black villain on screen.... By the mid-60s, Mr Peters was recognized as one of the most versatile and talented black actors in America.

Mel Watkins in the New York Times.

Posted by dwhudson at August 24, 2005 12:27 AM