Actor. Born in New York City, he was a skilled performer best known for his role as Ben, the ill-fated hero in the classic horror film, "Night of the Living Dead" (1968) which was directed by George A. Romero. His debut role in "Night of the Living Dead", marked the first time an African American actor was cast as the star of a horror film. His other film credits included "Ganja and Hess" (1973), "Beat Street" (1984), "Vampires" (1986), "Negatives" (1988) and "Fright House" (1988). He also was executive director of the Black Theatre Alliance, a federation of theater companies, from 1976 to 1981. Jones also served as the director of the Maguire Theater at SUNY Old Westbury. He died in Mineola, Long Island, New York at age 52.
Actor. Born in New York City, he was a skilled performer best known for his role as Ben, the ill-fated hero in the classic horror film, "Night of the Living Dead" (1968) which was directed by George A. Romero. His debut role in "Night of the Living Dead", marked the first time an African American actor was cast as the star of a horror film. His other film credits included "Ganja and Hess" (1973), "Beat Street" (1984), "Vampires" (1986), "Negatives" (1988) and "Fright House" (1988). He also was executive director of the Black Theatre Alliance, a federation of theater companies, from 1976 to 1981. Jones also served as the director of the Maguire Theater at SUNY Old Westbury. He died in Mineola, Long Island, New York at age 52.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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