Julius Carry was a versatile and charismatic actor who appeared in dozens of television shows and movies, most notably as the flamboyant villain Sho’nuff in the cult classic The Last Dragon. He died on August 19, 2008, at the age of 56, after a long fight with pancreatic cancer. In this article, we will look at his life, career, and legacy, as well as the challenges and risks of this deadly disease.
Early Life and Education
Julius John Carry III was born on March 12, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Lake Meadows neighborhood and attended Hales Franciscan High School, where he joined the Spartan Players, an acting group. He discovered his passion for acting and performed in plays such as Hamlet and West Side Story. He also joined the Chicago Actors Repertory Company and stayed with them for four years.
After a brief stint at Quincy College, he moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle and pursue his acting career. He enrolled at Loyola Marymount University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in film and TV production and a master’s degree in communication arts.
Acting Career
Carry made his acting debut in the 1979 film Disco Godfather, starring Rudy Ray Moore. He went on to appear in many films, such as World Gone Wild, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, and The New Guy. However, his most memorable role was as Sho’nuff, the self-proclaimed Shogun of Harlem, in the 1985 martial arts comedy The Last Dragon. He played the main antagonist to Bruce Leroy, the hero who seeks to achieve the glow, the ultimate level of martial arts mastery. Carry’s performance was over-the-top, hilarious, and unforgettable, and he became a cult icon for many fans.
Carry also had a prolific television career, appearing in numerous shows, such as Murphy Brown, Family Matters, A Different World, Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place, and Boy Meets World. He often played authoritative or comedic characters, such as doctors, professors, coaches, and police officers. One of his favorite roles was as Lord Bowler, a bounty hunter and sidekick to Brisco County Jr., in the western sci-fi series The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. He also played the father of Angela Moore, a recurring character and love interest of Shawn Hunter, in Boy Meets World.
Carry’s final appearance as an actor was in the 2006 episode “Eating the Young” of the CBS series The Unit, where he played a colonel.
Personal Life and Death
Carry was married twice, first to Kathy Smith and then to Naomi Carry. He had a brother, Ronald, and a mother, Helen, who was a minister with the Christ Universal Temple in Chicago. He was also a martial arts enthusiast and a black belt in karate.
In 2008, Carry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 10%. It is often detected late, when it has already spread to other organs, and has few effective treatments. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and is expected to claim more than 60,000 lives in 2021.
Carry died on August 19, 2008, in Studio City, California, surrounded by his family and friends. He was 56 years old. His death was announced by his agent, Susan Ferris, who said, “He fought really hard and he hung in there as long as he could.” His co-stars and colleagues paid tribute to him, remembering him as a talented, generous, and kind person. Bruce Campbell, who played Brisco County Jr., said, “He was a great guy and a great actor. He was larger than life and he will be missed.” Taimak, who played Bruce Leroy, said, “He was a mentor and a friend. He was a beautiful human being.”
Legacy and Impact
Julius Carry left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the culture. He was one of the first African American actors to play a leading role in a martial arts film, and he inspired many fans and aspiring actors with his charisma and skill. He also broke stereotypes and showed his versatility and range as an actor, playing diverse and complex characters in different genres and mediums. He was a trailblazer and a pioneer, who paved the way for others to follow.
He was also a beloved and respected figure in the community, who used his fame and influence to support various causes and organizations. He was involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. He also mentored young actors and taught acting classes at his alma mater, Loyola Marymount University.
Julius Carry was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life. He touched many lives with his talent, humor, and generosity. He will always be remembered as the Shogun of Harlem, the Lord Bowler, and the Julius Carry.
