Boundary-breaking Actor Passes Away

Clarence Thomas, a long time South Florida actor has passed away, according to the Miami Herald. He performed on area stages, films including Lenny, Cocoon, and Rosewood, as well as TV shows such as Miami Vice and American Playhouse.

Actor, and long-time friend John Archie, is quoted;

"He was a dear friend. How? By giving me the best advice, by supporting me and letting me know I could achieve and do well in the business. He was just there for me.''

Another of Thomas' protégés was Carl Cofield, an actor who has appeared on stage around the country, as well as in numerous films.

"I'm sure there's a whole crop of Miami actors, especially black actors, that Clarence touched that way. He taught us what it was to be a professional actor and how to be proud of it. His legacy lives on in a lot of actors who may not even know it.''

Joe Adler, artistic director of GableStage, sent out an email proposing a playreading or some other memorial in honor of Thomas in the near future, stating:

"He has been an outstanding member of the South Florida theatre and film community for over 40 years (AEA, SAG, and AFTRA) —and one of the first African-American actors from Miami. He was an exceptional talent and an incredibly giving and generous man. I was privileged to work with him in theatre and film for over 35 years—and I can say with complete assurance that he will be sorely missed."

Services for Clarence Thomas have been set, they will be held:

Wednesday Dec.23,2009 @ 1 P.M.
New Bethel AME Church
2275 West 5th Way
Hialeah, FL 33010
church phone 305 888-4365 (Rev. Hodge)