Geoffrey Holder, Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, Artist, Has Died at Age 84

Geoffrey Holder, a Tony Award-winning stage director, artist and actor, died at a New York City hospital Sunday from complications of pneumonia. He was 84.

Holder won a pair of Tony Awards for stage direction and costume design for the 1975 musical "The Wiz," and is well-known for his roles in the film version of "Annie" and 7-Up commercials. And who can forget him as a villain in the James Bond movie, Live and Let Die. He was also an established choreographer and painter, receiving a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1957.

"He was a terrific man. A superb artist, who lived a great life," said Charles Mirotznik, Holder's attorney, who confirmed his death.

Mirotznik said Holder, who was a native of Trinidad, is survived by his wife, Carmen, and son, Leo.

On Twitter, actress Debbie Allen called Holder a "giant in the art and theatre world. We will forever speak his name with great joy and respect."

Source: LA Times