Thalmus Rasulala

Biography

Thalmus Rasulala, born Jack Crowder on November 15, 1939, in Miami, Florida, was a distinguished African American actor known for his impactful roles across television and film. He gained prominence as one of the original cast members of the ABC soap opera *One Life to Live*, where he portrayed Lt. Jack Neal from its debut in 1968 until 1970.

Throughout his career, Rasulala showcased his versatile acting skills in a variety of memorable roles. He played Roy in *Bucktown*, Blake Tarr in *Friday Foster*, and Bill Thomas in the beloved series *What's Happening!!*. Additionally, he is remembered for his portrayal of Omoro Kinte, the father of Kunta Kinte, in the groundbreaking miniseries *Roots*. His television appearances spanned iconic shows such as *The Twilight Zone*, *All in the Family*, *The Jeffersons*, *Sanford and Son*, *Good Times*, and *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, among others.

Rasulala's final performance was as General Afir in *Mom and Dad Save the World*, starring alongside Teri Garr and Jeffrey Jones. Tragically, he passed away from heart failure on October 9, 1991, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, shortly after completing his scenes for the film, which was later dedicated to his memory. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.