Nathaniel Taylor, who played Rollo on ‘Sanford and Son,’ dies

Nathaniel Taylor, who played Rollo on ‘Sanford and Son,’ dies

LOS ANGELES

Nathaniel Taylor, the actor best known as Rollo Lawson, the street-smart best friend of the son on the 1970s sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has died.

Taylor died Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles after a heart attack, his son Kaedi Taylor told The Associated Press on Saturday. The elder Taylor was 80.

Taylor’s character, Rollo, was the sidekick to Lamont Sanford, played by actor Demond Wilson, and often drew the skepticism of TV patriarch Fred Sanford, who thought Rollo was a bad influence on Lamont because he’d spent time in jail. The fast-talking but good-hearted Rollo dressed in colorful suits and hats and called Fred – played by actor and comedian Redd Foxx – “Pops.”

Taylor went on to act in other shows and movies, later opening a performing arts studio for young actors. But his son said Taylor never tired of people recognizing him as Rollo.

Nathaniel Taylor also played roles on shows such as “The Redd Foxx Show,” ‘’Police Story” and “What’s Happening” and Blaxpoitation films such as “Dynamite” and “Trouble Man.” He reprised his role as Rollo in the 1980s spinoff “Sanford.”

Taylor is survived by his wife, Loretta, four daughters and three sons.

Stolen magazine with Beatles on cover back 51 years later

CLEVELAND

An Ohio library says a 1968 copy of Life magazine with the Beatles on the cover has been returned by a borrower who apologized for stealing it as a “kid” and sent $100 to cover late fees.

The Cuyahoga County Public Library says it received the apology this week from someone named Brian, who acknowledged taking it from a suburban Cleveland branch the year it was published.

The library caps late fees at $100, which is good for Brian. The normal fine of 10 cents a day over 50 years would have exceeded $1,800.

Library spokesman Robert Rua says the library is forgiving and thanks Brian for doing the right thing.

A copy of the magazine today fetches around $50 online.

The library expects to put the magazine on display.

Rocker Jerry Lee Lewis suffers stroke, expected to recover

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Rock ’n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis is recovering after a minor stroke, but he’s expected to make a full recovery.

A statement from his publicist says the 83-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer had a stroke Thursday night and is recuperating in Memphis. His publicist, Zach Farnum, said no scheduled shows have been affected.

Nicknamed “The Killer,” Lewis is known for his outrageous energy and piano skills on songs like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’.”

He is scheduled to perform at the 50th anniversary of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April, and his publicist said he has plans to record a gospel album soon.

Associated Press