Geoffrey Holder

Geoffrey Holder was a multi-talented Trinidadian artist born in Port of Spain on August 1, 1930. Standing at an impressive 200 centimeters (6'6"), he was renowned for his deep, resonant voice and infectious laugh. Holder gained widespread recognition in the 1970s through the iconic 7 Up "uncola" advertising campaign, which solidified his place in pop culture. He showcased his acting skills in the 1967 film Dr. Dolittle, where he portrayed William Shakespeare, affectionately known as "Willy," and gained further fame for his role as Baron Samedi, a key henchman in the 1973 James Bond film Live and Let Die.

Although the 7 Up campaign was brief, it saw a resurgence during the early 1980s, coinciding with Holder's rising fame from his performance as Punjab in the 1982 film adaptation of the musical Annie. Beyond acting, Holder was an accomplished painter and avid art collector, also authoring several books and composing music throughout his career. As a talented choreographer, he crafted numerous dance pieces for prestigious organizations, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Holder shared his life with dancer Carmen De Lavallade, a partnership that began when they both performed in Truman Capote's House of Flowers. He passed away on March 29, 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy in the arts.