Raymond St. Jacques was a trailblazing actor, director and producer who broke racial barriers in Hollywood and on television. He is best remembered for his roles as Simon Blake in Rawhide, Coffin Ed Johnson in Cotton Comes to Harlem and Come Back, Charleston Blue, and Judge Clayton in Roots: The Next Generations. But what many fans may not know is that St. Jacques died of a rare and aggressive form of cancer called lymphoma in 1990. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Raymond St. Jacques, his diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma, and his legacy in the entertainment industry.
## Early Life and Career of Raymond St. Jacques
Raymond St. Jacques was born James Arthur Johnson on March 1, 1930 in Hartford, Connecticut. His parents divorced when he was young, and he moved with his mother and sister to New Haven, Connecticut. He attended Hillhouse High School and Yale University, where he studied drama and psychology. He also became interested in fencing, which he would practice throughout his life.
St. Jacques began his acting career in the off-Broadway play High Name Today in the late 1950s. He then landed a breakthrough role as Judge in the off-Broadway production of The Blacks in 1960, alongside James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, and Maya Angelou. He changed his name to Raymond St. Jacques, inspired by the French actor Jean-Louis Barrault.
St. Jacques made his film debut in Black Like Me in 1964, followed by The Pawnbroker later that year. He appeared in several films in the 1960s, such as The Comedians, The Green Berets, and If He Hollers, Let Him Go. He also guest starred on various television shows, such as East Side/West Side, Daktari, The Virginian, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
In 1965, St. Jacques made history as the first African American actor to appear in a regular role on a western series, portraying Simon Blake on the eighth season of Rawhide. He also became the first African American actor to play a U.S. president, portraying Andrew Johnson in the 1972 film The Great White Hope.
## Raymond St. Jacques and Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Both types can cause symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.
According to the American Cancer Society, the exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, but some factors that may increase the risk include age, family history, infection with certain viruses or bacteria, exposure to radiation or chemicals, and a weakened immune system.
St. Jacques was diagnosed with lymphoma in the late 1980s, according to his obituary in The New York Times. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but his condition worsened. He died on August 27, 1990 at the age of 60 in Los Angeles, California. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
## Legacy of Raymond St. Jacques
Raymond St. Jacques was a pioneer and a legend in the entertainment industry. He paved the way for many African American actors and filmmakers who followed him. He was also a mentor and a teacher to many aspiring artists. He founded the Mafundi Institute in Watts, Los Angeles, where he taught fencing and acting to underprivileged youth. He also produced, directed, and starred in the 1973 film Book of Numbers, which was one of the first independent films made by an African American.
St. Jacques was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. He was also inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1997. His films and television shows are still enjoyed by millions of fans around the world. He is remembered as a talented, versatile, and charismatic actor who broke boundaries and stereotypes with his roles.
Raymond St. Jacques cause of death was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry and his fans. He left behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration that will live on for generations to come.
