Geoffrey Holder
Geoffrey Holder
Biography
Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad of African descent, Holder was an actor known for his towering 200-centimeter (6'6") height, heavily accented deep basso voice and hearty laugh. With that and his appearance in the 1970s 7 Up soft drink "uncola" advertising campaign, Holder's image quickly became recognizable. He was also in the 1967 movie Dr. Dolittle as William Shakespeare, "Willy," and played Baron Samedi, one of the main villain's henchmen, in the 1973 James Bond film, Live and Let Die. Though the 7 Up advertising campaign lasted only a short while in the early 1970s, the company revived the campaign in the early 1980s after Holder achieved a spike in popularity in the 1982 movie version of the musical Annie, in which he played the role of Punjab. He was a prolific painter, ardent art collector, and performer who had also authored books and composed music. As a choreographer, he created dance pieces for many companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Holder was married to dancer Carmen De Lavallade, whom he met when both were in the cast of Truman Capote's House of Flowers. .
Known For
Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Known Credits
36
Gender
Male
Birthday
1930-08-01 (95 years old)
Place of Birth
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
Acting

2008

The Magistical as Narrator

2005

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as Narrator (voice)

2005

Carmen & Geoffrey as Self

2002

Cyberchase as Master Pi (voice)

1999

Goosed as Dr. Bowman

1998

Chance or Coincidence as Gerry

1997

Bear in the Big Blue House as Ray the Sun

1992

Boomerang as Nelson

1992

Tropical Rainforest as Narrator

1987

Ghost of a Chance as Johnson

1986

John Grin's Christmas as Ghost of Christmas Future

1983

Alice in Wonderland as Cheshire Cat

1982

Annie as Punjab

1980

The Gold Bug as Jupiter

1976

Swashbuckler as Cudjo

1975

The Noah as Friday

1974

Goggles! as (voice)

1973

Live and Let Die as Baron Samedi

1973

The Man Without a Country as Slave on Ship

1971

Great Performances as Cheshire Cat

1968

Krakatoa, East of Java as Sailor

1967

Doctor Dolittle as William Shakespeare X

1958

Aladdin as Genie

1956

Carib Gold as Voo Doo Dancer
Crew

1973

Live and Let Die Choreographer