Nathaniel Taylor

Nathaniel Taylor (born March 31, 1938 – died February 27, 2019) played the part of Rollo Lawson, the best friend of Lamont Sanford (Demond Wilson) and Fred's nemisis on Sanford and Son. Nathaniel reprised the role of Rollo on its spin-off series Sanford. Nathaniel has appeared in number of guest roles on other sitcoms, most notably as Rerun's (Fred Berry) brother-in-law "Ike" in the ABC-TV sitcom What's Happening!!.

Taylor's character "Rollo" once referred to Redd Foxx's character "Fred G. Sanford" as, "One cold-blooded old dude."

Early life
Taylor was born in St. Louis, Missouri.

Career
Before becoming an actor, Taylor was working as an electrician at the Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles (PASLA). His mentor, Larry Clark, suggested he try out for a part. Clark had him read a few lines to him and then sent him down to Redd Foxx's room. They had talked about their hometown, St. Louis. Foxx told Taylor that he had the role which would become Rollo Lawson.

Taylor was best known for his recurring role as Rollo Lawson in the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, a role he later reprised on its short-lived 1980–1981 spin-off Sanford. He later played the first version of Jim-Jam with Redd Foxx on the 1986 ABC-TV sitcom series The Redd Foxx Show. In the late 1970s, he played Rerun's (Fred Berry) brother–in–law, Ike, in the ABC-TV sitcom What's Happening!!. Taylor also reprised the role of Rollo Lawson in the short–lived Grady. He was also in an episode of The Bill Cosby Show, Adam 12, and Police Story.

Taylor also was featured in Trouble Man starring Robert Hooks as one of Mr. Big's henchmen. The film featured a soundtrack by Marvin Gaye. In 1973, he was in Clark's As Above, So Below. Taylor was a member of the Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles (PASLA). He was in the blaxploitation film Willie Dynamite. Taylor also starred in The Hunter.

Personal life and death
Taylor was friends with fellow actor Rocco Karega and Hip-Hop music promoter Alonzo Williams. He was married to Loretta until his death. Together, Taylor and Loretta had seven children. After Taylor stopped acting, he opened a performing arts studio for young actors. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, his brother (Eugene), and two sisters (Mary and Betty).

On February 23, 2019, Taylor was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after suffering from a heart attack. He passed away from the complications of it on February 27, 2019.