Less than a week after the passing of Floyd Roger Myers Jr., the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is once again in mourning. Veteran actor Lee Weaver passed away on September 22 at his home in Los Angeles, at the age of 95, his family confirmed.
Weaver, best known for his appearance in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, built an impressive career spanning film and television. He has over a hundred screen credits to his name. Beginning his journey in the 1950s, he became a familiar face on American television, appearing in classics such as The Bill Cosby Show, Hill Street Blues, Starsky & Hutch, MacGyver, CSI, My Name Is Earl, and Community, among many others.
Admired for his range and warmth, Weaver had the rare ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role, no matter how small. His presence left a lasting mark on several generations of viewers who grew up seeing his work on screen — a quiet legacy of talent, kindness, and longevity in Hollywood.
Lee Weaver’s Most Memorable Roles
Fans of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fondly remember Lee Weaver for playing Ed Downer, the kind-hearted maintenance worker for the Banks family who appeared in the show’s second season.
But Weaver’s career stretched far beyond sitcoms. In the Coen brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), he portrayed the blind railroad man who guides the protagonists in one of the film’s most unforgettable scenes. A year later, he appeared in Donnie Darko (2001), further cementing his presence in independent and cult cinema.
Off-screen, Weaver led a remarkably rich life. He served in the U.S. Army, worked as a linotype operator for The New York Times, and promoted shows at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club, where he collaborated with icons like Miles Davis and John Coltrane.
Lee Weaver’s story is that of a true artist. Someone who moved gracefully between worlds, blending art, music, and everyday life with authenticity and soul.
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