Nathaniel Taylor, the actor best known for his role as the smooth-voiced Rollo Lawson on the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, died Feb. 27 at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after suffering a heart attack. He is 80 years old.
His death was announced on social media by his friend, music promoter Alonzo Williams. According to Williams, the actor was hospitalized on February 23 after suffering a heart attack.
Although Taylor had a few small TV cameos in the early ’70s – credited as Jita Hadi on The Bold Ones and The Bill Cosby Show – his recurring role on Sanford and Son from 1972-77 was brought lasting fame to the show. The fan base is still significant. His Rollo, a street character often dressed in the trendiest clothes, is the best friend of Demond Wilson’s Lamont Sanford and forever the constant target of Redd Foxx’s Fred Sanford’s disdain and suspicion.
A typical exchange between Lamont and Rollo causes Lamont to ask why Rollo didn’t get them wine as planned. “The store is still open,” Rollo replied.
Taylor briefly reprized the role in the spin-offs Grady and Sanford.
Other television appearances in the 70s and 80s included appearances on What’s Going On!!, 227, The Redd Foxx Show, Adam-12 and Police Story. Film credits include Willie Dynamite (1974) and 1972’s Black Girl, directed by Ossie Davis.
Survivors include wife Loretta, four daughters and two sons. Service is pending.
