Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1940
DIED
2017
Ji-Tu Cumbuka Obituary
The niece, Amber Holifield, said Cumbuka was “surrounded with love and support” at the time of his death. She said she learned much from the actor “about strength and dealing with things.” She said her uncle was a double amputee.
Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.
He was born March 4, 1940, in Helena, Alabama. His name was given to him by his grandmother. Ji-Tu means “giant” in Swahili, while Cumbuka is defined as “to remember.”
After a stint in the U.S. Army, where he played football and competed on the track team, he attended Texas Southern University. To pursue his acting career, he moved to California.
He made his onscreen debut in the movie “Uptight” (1968), directed by Jules Dassin. The following year, he played a role in Elvis Presley's last film as an actor, “Change of Habit” (1969).
Cumbuka, who stood 6 feet 5, played the memorable slave wrestler character on three episodes of the 1977 TV miniseries “Roots.” His other TV credits include “Daniel Boone,” “The A-Team,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Sanford and Son,” and “In the Heat of the Night.”
Cumbuka acted in a number of films as well. He played the former NBA guard Oscar Robertson in the biopic “Maurie” (1973) about the life of Maurice Stokes. In “Harlem Nights” (1989), alongside Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx, he played a toothless gambler who gets shot in a dispute over money. His other films included “Change of Habit” (1969), “Blacula” (1972), “Mandingo” (1975), ”Brewster’s Millions” (1985), “Out of Bounds” (1986), and “Caged in Paradiso” (1990).
In 2012, the actor published his memoir, “A Giant To Remember.”
Memories and Condolences
for Ji-Tu Cumbuka
62 Entries
W Brown
September 11, 2017
I was saddened to hear about this mans passing he was very believable and passionate with each role he portrayed may you rest in peace
jitu C Holifield
August 14, 2017
I'm going to miss my dad. There are no words to describe the way I feel. He had a good life and I was proud of him
JITU II
July 19, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Blizard W.
July 18, 2017
"CUMBUKA" meaning to remember and knowing that his talent as an actor was always having strength is indeed a wonderful treasure to take in your Family's heart. May JI-TU's Family now more then ever take this strength in knowing that soon we will be with our loved ones 'in paradise' just as our Heavenly Father of tender mercies promises through our Savior Jesus Christ. (Luke 23:43)
Dedria Jenkins
July 17, 2017
You were a terrific actor, God bless your Soul
I'll never forget your statement in the movie
Mandingo.
My Condolences to the family, God Bless you and Comfort you for your loss.
J.W. Kydd
July 15, 2017
Rest in Peace Big Man !
G. Freeman
July 15, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 15, 2017
I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Cumbuka. May you find comfort in knowing you can lean upon our Creator to help you endure through this difficult trial. ~Psalms 28:2,7
July 15, 2017
Prayers
Evans family
July 15, 2017
We would like to offer the family our heartfelt condolences. May you draw comfort from God during this difficult time, as he help you to cope with the loss of a wonderful family.
C Taylor
July 14, 2017
May God bless and keep you.
He was a great actor and I do remember his role from Roots, Harlem Nights and the person who wrote the check on the episode of Sanford and Son when B.B. King played himself. (Pay to the order of Mr. Woodrow Anderson).
R.I.P my brother.
Brenda Durham
July 14, 2017
He was a good actor and will be missed . Prayers for his family, friends, and fans.
July 13, 2017
I remember Ji-Tu from Roots as the wrestler. My prayers and thoughts to the family. May you have peace and comfort.
Margaret Kennedy
July 13, 2017
Wonderful actor with star power. May he RIP.
July 12, 2017
Condolences to the entire family.
Wonderful man !!
Carolyn Murray
July 12, 2017
To The Family,
Keep all of your treasured memories of Ji-Tu in your hearts, spirits and souls as these are the special places he will forever dwell. I will always treasure watching his performances in the many roles he played. My ultimate favorite role was the one in "Harlem Nights" it was hilarious. May his spirit have continued peace with the Lord above. RIP Mr. Cumbuka
July 12, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please turn to our Heavenly Father for strength through prayer. He wants to help you through this.
Rena Todd
July 12, 2017
Rest In Peace.
July 12, 2017
Please accept my sincere condolences. May the prayers of family and friends comfort you during this time.
July 12, 2017
A great character actor who always gave many fine and memorable performances. He was a highly underrated actor who should have received far more credit for his talents and abilities. My condolences to his family, friends and fans. May he rest in peace.
J. Dibari Boston, Ma
July 12, 2017
My prayers are with the family of Mr. Cumbuka, during this difficult time now and days ahead.
Carlotta
July 11, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Cumbuka family and friends at this difficult time.
Hope
July 11, 2017
May the Lord bless and comfort each of your family members and friends during this time of great loss. I pray that you are now resting with the Lord.
Arlene Lewis
July 11, 2017
So sorry to hear that Ji-tu has passed. He was an intelligent man and always carried himself in a dignified manner. I pray for comfort for those he left behind. RIP my friend.
Marcia Glenn
July 10, 2017
My prayers are with the family for their lost.
Harry Simpson
July 11, 2017
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
christine acoff
July 11, 2017
R.I.P.
Norma Osborne
July 11, 2017
Sorry for your loss he was a good actor love watching him in movies and other roles.May God strength and comfort you at this of loss.RIP
B H
July 11, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family of Ji-Tu Cumbuka. He will truly be remembered by so many people. May God comfort your hearts and strengthen you each day.
Tracy
July 11, 2017
Sending my condolences to the family and friends
July 11, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing our love ones is never easy but may the love of people that surrounds you soften your grief. And may you find comfort and peace in drawing closer to God in prayer during this difficult time.
watson clark
July 11, 2017
Rest in Peace!
Lynn
July 11, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family and friends. May the comfort and strength only God can supply be with you during this difficult time.
Juanita Harley
July 11, 2017
Rest in paradise. Deepest condolences to the Family. May God give you strength during this difficult time.
July 11, 2017
Rest in peace. J Lewis
Ann (Isaiah 25:8)
July 11, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tamara M Tolliver
July 11, 2017
May you Rest in Peace Mr. Cumbuka. My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Cumbuka.
July 10, 2017
Mr Cumbuka touched so many of our lives. May God be with his family and friends at this difficult time in their life. God love you.
Hewy Woodman
July 10, 2017
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
Joseph Gaskins
July 10, 2017
Rest in Peace My Brother! I will never forget our Gospel Play Production "Help Somebody" in 1997 in Washington, D.C. Truly soul stirring...never made it nationally, but what energy and display of effort, determination and talent. Some times God has a different Plan! You left an massive imprint when others doubted, you did it, Day Tripper!
SJ
July 10, 2017
A full life of love and adventure, truly a remarkable person who enjoyed life the way our creator intended us to. We Pray your family sorrows be comforted by the God of Tender Mercies who is there to sustain you in your time of need.
Juanita Castro
July 10, 2017
Such an awesome actor! He will be missed!
I C
July 10, 2017
My condolences go out to the family of Mr. Cumbuka. May the God of comfort strengthen you during this time.
Pat
July 10, 2017
I am so sorry for the loss of your uncle. May you find comfort and strength by pouring out your emotions in prayer to God. Please accept my condolences.
Tina
July 10, 2017
I do remember Mr.Ji-Tu in many films as a good and serious actor . He will be sorely missed. Please reflect on Amighty God's promise to rid the earth soon of ALL sickness suffering and even death.What a blessed day that will be for the family of Mr. Ji-Tu. Please cherish the memories and many films of him.
Gwen Lester
July 10, 2017
My codolences to the family.
Joanne
July 10, 2017
To the family and friends please accept my condolences know that the God of all comfort feel your pain and sorrow. Isaiah 61:1,2 reads:He sent me ( Jesus Christ) to bind up the broken hearted and to comfort all who mourn.
Larry Ward
July 10, 2017
May you rest in peace. Really loved you as an actor. Met you one time. Will cherish that.
Christina C
July 10, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Isaiah25:8
July 10, 2017
We offer our condolences to the family. May God's comfort strengthen you during the days ahead. John 3:16
Sheila D Johnson
July 10, 2017
Talented Actor, thanks for the memories, blessings to the family......
AC
July 10, 2017
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10.
July 10, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Angela Blake
July 10, 2017
I will always remember your acting abilities. I really enjoyed you in all of your movie roles. Thanks for the laughs and tears. You will be missed.
Ms. Banks
July 10, 2017
Rest in Peace Mr. Ji-Tu: I absolutely loved the Harlem Nights scene as well as the Roots one. Very good Actor.... Bravo Sir! Bravo.
Adrian Barnette
July 10, 2017
We'll miss you !
Annette
July 10, 2017
In Remembrance of a "Giant" who never forgot his roots and heritage. Rest Easy JI-TU.
M N
July 10, 2017
Ji-Tu...You are remembered as an unsung character in countless movies and television shows. Gone but not forgotten. -MN Charlotte, NC
Showing 1 - 62 of 62 results
Make a Donation
in Ji-Tu Cumbuka's name
How to support Ji-Tu's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ji-Tu Cumbuka's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored