O. L. Duke

Who was O. L. Duke?

Orville Lewis Duke was an American stage, television and film actor.

He was a member of the renowned Actors Studio and was the interim Artistic Director of the Negro Ensemble Company from 2002 to 2004. In keeping with the tradition of the NEC, Duke helped young Black actors hone their skills by sharing his work experiences and teaching classes using the method acting technique.

Duke died in a car crash in New York City, on September 10, 2004. He was on his way home after performing in an off-Broadway play, when a car cut him off on the West Side Highway. His vehicle jumped a divider and struck an oncoming car.