DUANE JONES DEATH – On Day Eighteen of Black History Month, we honor the life and legacy of Duane Lionel Jones, an extraordinary actor, scholar, and educator whose contributions to cinema and the arts remain profoundly impactful, even if Hollywood never fully celebrated his brilliance. Jones, best known for his groundbreaking role in George A. Romero’s 1968 horror classic *Night of the Living Dead*, broke barriers at a time when opportunities for Black actors were scarce and often confined to stereotypical roles.
In 1968, Jones, a tall, handsome thirty-one-year-old acting student from New York, auditioned for the role of Ben in Romero’s now-iconic film. The character’s race had never been specified in the script, and Romero cast Jones simply because he was the best actor for the part. This decision marked a pivotal moment in American cinema: Jones became the first African American actor to star as the hero of a horror film, and one of the first to land a leading role not explicitly written for a Black actor. It was a quiet but revolutionary act of inclusion in an industry often resistant to change.
Jones’ portrayal of Ben was powerful and nuanced, showcasing his talent and commanding presence. However, the film’s ending—where Ben, after surviving a night of terror, is mistakenly killed and his body tossed onto a pile of corpses to burn—sparked controversy. Many in the Black community questioned why the Black hero couldn’t survive, a stark contrast to modern films like Jordan Peele’s *Get Out*, where Black protagonists are given more agency and hope. Despite the backlash, Jones’ performance remains a landmark in cinematic history, challenging norms and paving the way for future generations of Black actors.
Beyond his work in *Night of the Living Dead*, Jones led a multifaceted life filled with achievements. He appeared in only nine films, including Bill Gunn’s *Ganja & Hess* (1973) and Kathleen Collins’s *Losing Ground* (1982), but his influence extended far beyond acting. He was a dedicated educator, scholar, and advocate for the arts. Jones served as the director of the Maguire Theater at the State University of New York at Old Westbury and the artistic director of the Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art in Manhattan. His commitment to nurturing Black talent and promoting cultural expression was unwavering.
Jones was also a lifelong learner. He earned a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh, studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, trained as an actor in New York, and completed an M.A. in Communications at New York University—all while balancing his acting career. His intellectual curiosity and dedication to education were as much a part of his legacy as his work on screen.
Tragically, Jones passed away in 1988 at the age of fifty-one, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire. Though he never received the widespread acclaim he deserved during his lifetime, his contributions to film and theater have not been forgotten. *Night of the Living Dead*, filmed just an hour from my hometown of Sharon, Pennsylvania—a location mentioned in the film—remains a testament to his talent and the quiet revolution he helped ignite.
Duane Jones was more than an actor; he was a trailblazer who challenged stereotypes and opened doors for others. His legacy reminds us of the importance of representation and the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change. As we reflect on his life this Black History Month, let us celebrate Duane Jones not only for his groundbreaking role in *Night of the Living Dead* but also for his enduring impact on the arts and his unwavering commitment to excellence. His story is a reminder that true greatness often lies in the quiet, uncelebrated moments of courage and perseverance. Rest in power, Duane Jones. Your light continues to shine.