Barefoot in the Park star Scoey Mitchell has died. He was 92.
Mitchell, who was a pioneering comedian and pioneer for Black performers died of kidney failure Saturday, his brother, jazz pianist Billy Mitchell, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mitchell began his career as a stand-up comedian and performer, starring on several shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (which featured a skit in which Tommy Smothers and Mitchell kissed each other, challenging racial barriers), and What’s It All About, World?.
He also starred in the short-lived television series of Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park opposite Tracy Reed.
The series, based on the Broadway play and the 1967 film starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, became the first U.S. sitcom since Amos ‘n’ Andy to have a mostly Black cast. It also showed Black characters beyond stereotypes, unlike Amos ‘n’ Andy. Unfortunately, the series only lasted 12 episodes, but definitely has a place in Hollywood’s ongoing dialogue about race.
Other series on Mitchell's resume includes recurring on 'Rhoda' and starring as Richard Pryor's father in 'Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling.'
He also acted as the host of his own variety special in 1972 as well as appearing on various game shows, sketch comedy shows, and popular sitcoms including Match Game, Tattletales, Hollywood Squares, The Carol Burnett Show, That Girl and others.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
