Lamont Washington was an American singer, dancer, actor, and comedian known for his theater work, notably in the role of Hud in the original Broadway cast of Hair.
Lamont Washington | |
---|---|
Born | New York City, New York, U.S. | July 4, 1943
Died | August 25, 1968 New York City, New York, U.S. | (aged 25)
Occupation(s) | Singer, dancer, actor, comedian |
Early life
editWashington was born in Brooklyn and attended the High School of Performing Arts.[1]
Career
editIn 1964, Washington served as Sammy Davis Jr.'s understudy in the musical Golden Boy.[1] Due to injuries that Davis sustained during the show's run, Washington performed the lead role on 32 occasions in 1965.[1][2]
In April 1968, Washington originated the role of Hud in Broadway production of the musical Hair.[1][2]
Injury and death
editOn August 10, 1968, a fire broke out in Washington's apartment. Reports said the fire likely started in his mattress while he was sleeping.[2][3] Washington had second- and third-degree burns over 80 percent of his body, as well as bone and organ damage from jumping from the third-floor apartment window onto the roof of a one-story building to escape the flames.[4]
Washington died of his injuries on August 25, 1968.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Lamont Washington". Playbill.com. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Lamont Washington Dies at 24; Actor Had Played Hud in 'Hair'". The New York Times. August 26, 1968. p. 39. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
- ^ "Performer in 'Hair' Critically Injured". The New York Times. August 11, 1968. p. 30. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
- ^ "Lamont Washington Critically Injured In Apartment Blaze". Lexington Herald-Leader. UPI. August 11, 1968. p. 7.