Overview (4)

Mini Bio (1)

Spouse (1)

Valerie Wiggins (19 February 1972 - 1974) ( divorced) ( 1 child)

Trivia (6)



He won the lead role of Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles (1974) over Richard Pryor , who co-wrote the script, intending to play the role himself. Studio executives were apparently nervous over Pryor's reputation as a racy comedian and thought Little would be a safer choice.

He was a talented Shakespearean but was forced at the time to accept comedy roles when few black actors were considered for such important and serious roles. His passion remained for the classics, and he returned frequently to play such roles.



Following his death, his remains were cremated and his ashes were scattered into the New York harbor.



Brother of singer DeEtta Little, best known for her vocal performance (with Nelson Pigford) on the chart-topping Bill Conti song "Gonna Fly Now", the main theme to Rocky (1976).



He was posthumously awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on February 1, 1994.



Alumnus of the AADA (American Academy of Dramatic Arts), Class of 1967.

