American actor, writer and TV director (1930–2022)
Roscoe Mitchell Jr. or Scoey Mitchell (March 12, 1930 – March 19, 2022), usually credited as Scoey Mitchell, was an American actor, producer, writer and television director known for frequent appearances on 1970s game shows, including "Match Game" and "Tattletales". He starred in the short-lived series "Barefoot in the Park" (based on the Neil Simon play) and had a recurring role on "Rhoda".
He created two short-lived NBC television series, "Me and Mrs. C" and "13 East". He appeared as Richard Pryor's father in the film "Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling".
Early life and career.
Mitchell was born on March 12, 1930, in Newburgh, New York, as Roscoe Mitchlll Jr. (the surname had three "L"s, and no "E"). His father was a Baptist minister and community activist. His brother was jazz pianist Billy Mitchell. He started his career on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" in 1967. He appeared in "What's It All About, World?" as himself in 1969.
He guest-starred in television series including "The Mothers-in-Law", "Here Come the Brides", "That Girl", "The Odd Couple", "The Six Million Dollar Man", and "Baretta".
Mitchell starred in several television films, including "Voyage of the Yes", "Cops", and "Cindy". He also turned to directing television with the film "Me &amp; Mrs. C." in 1984 and episodes of "13 East" in 1989–90. Mitchell wrote for television, including "The Scoey Mitchell Show" in 1972, "Just a Little More Love" in 1983, and "Handsome Harry's". In addition, he ventured into production of television and television films, including "Grambling's White Tiger" in 1981, "Gus Brown and Midnight Brewster" in 1985, and "Miracle at Beekman's Place" in 1988.
Mitchell also was on a number of television shows as himself, including "Match Game" from 1974 to 1979, "Super Password" in 1988, "The Joey Bishop Show" 1968–69, "Hollywood Squares" in 1968, and "Tattletales" from 1974 to 1978 and from 1982 to 1984. He guest starred on an episode of "Taxi" titled "Memories of Cab 804, Part 1" (1978) during the first season and his name was misspelled in the end credits as "Scoey Mitchell" (a letter 'l' replaced the letter 'e').
In September 1970, ABC cast Mitchell in "Barefoot in the Park" based on Neil Simon's Broadway play of the same name. The series cast members were predominantly black, making it the first American television sitcom since "Amos 'n' Andy" to have a predominantly black cast (Vito Scotti was the sole major white character). "Barefoot in the Park" had been a successful 1967 film starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. It was thought by ABC that placing "Barefoot in the Park" behind "Bewitched" would do well, but because that show was already in a slump, "Barefoot in the Park" never developed high numbers for the network. During its first few episodes, "Barefoot in the Park" developed behind-the-scenes strife that sealed its fate: Mitchell was fired due to "differences of opinion" with the series' producers. Rather than replace Mitchell with another actor—and already disenchanted with the low ratings—ABC decided to cancel "Barefoot in the Park" in December 1970.
In 1986, Mitchell was in "Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling", a semi-autobiographical film about Richard Pryor. In 2017, after a hiatus of almost thirty years, he returned to acting, in a one-off role in "A Kindred Soul".
Death.
Mitchell died of kidney failure on March 19, 2022, in a hospice-care facility in Torrance, California. He was survived by his wife, Claire.
References.
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