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Tim Reid
Tim Reid
19 December 1944 Norfolk, Virginia
The series was a bittersweet experience for [Tim] Reid. Although his work as the fast-living DJ Venus Flytrap brought him to the attention of the public, the critics and the network, he complains that WKRP was treated as the 'stepchild' of MTM, that the show is never mentioned when MTM officials list their successes ('The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' 'Hill Street Blues'), and that CBS didn't treat it much better. "In four years, we were moved sixteen times on the schedule [sic]," he said. "MTM thought we were poking fun at a sacred industry. And CBS never understood what we were all about."
-- NEWSDAY, 1987
Timothy L. "Tim" Reid (born December 19, 1944) is an American actor, comedian and film director best known for his roles in prime time American television programs, such as Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978-82), Marcel "Downtown" Brown on Simon & Simon (1983-87), Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister (1994-99) and William Barnett on That 70's Show (2004-2006).
Reid was born in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of Augustine (née Wilkins) and William Lee Reid. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at Norfolk State College in 1968. Reid also became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. After graduation he was hired by Dupont Corporation, where he worked for three years.
Reid's entertainment career also began in 1968, under atypical circumstances. He and insurance salesman Tom Dreesen met at a Junior Chamber of Commerce meeting near Chicago. They were "put together to promote an anti-drug program in the local schools" and, prompted by a comment from a child, decided to form a comedy team. The team, later billed as "Tim & Tom", was the first interracial comedy duo. Years later, Reid and Dreesen co-wrote a book about those years called Tim & Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White (ISBN 978-0-226-70900-0, co-written with sports writer Ron Rapoport).
Reid started out on the short-lived The Richard Pryor Show.
Reid starred as DJ "Venus Flytrap" on the hit CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, in what is perhaps his best known TV role.
Reid also starred as Lieutenant Marcel Proust "Downtown" Brown (episodes 43-127), on the CBS detective series Simon & Simon.
In 1988, Reid won an award from Viewers for Quality Television Awards as "Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series" in Frank's Place. In 1988, the same role earned him an Image Award for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series."
Reid appeared in the movie version of Stephen King's IT. He played the role of Mike Hanlon, the librarian at the Derry, Maine Public Library. Reid also made an appearance as Sgt. Ray Bennett of the Seacouver Police Department in three first-season episodes of Highlander: The Series.
He had a starring role in the series Sister Sister as Ray, for the entire six season run. On April 13, 2009, Reid returns to his former co-star Tamera Mowry on The short-lived ABC Family series Roommates. Reid plays Mr. Daniels, Hope's father in the episode "The Break In" in which Mowry played Hope Daniels.
He also had a recurring role on That '70s Show as William Barnett.
eid has directed various television programs as well the film Once Upon a Time...When We Were Colored based on a novel by Clifton L. Taulbert.
He directed and adapted a children's TV show called Bobobobs which aired in the late '80s
In 1967, Reid married Rita; they divorced on May 9, 1980. They have two children together: Tim Reid II (born 1968) and Tori Reid (born 1971). Since December 4, 1982, he has been married to actress Daphne Maxwell Reid. Tim Reid was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on Sunday November 14, 2010.
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The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel - which crossing Chesapeake near its mouth, at Norfolk, Virginia - uses a combination of bridge spans and tunnels. Manmade islands allow the roadway to enter the tunnels beneath the Bay's shipping channels.
A film should be an experience. You should feel something. It should motivate you to feel something.
Black people don't even question things any more, they simply follow the lead.
How did we suddenly become entranced with gangster culture? I saw it this morning on campus. When did the black community say we should all look like criminals?
Just having hope ain't going to cut it. You've got to have hope, passion and skills.
Ninety percent of the time, you're going to hear no. It took me seven years to make 'Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored.' Nobody wanted to see the movie made. I got the movie made.
The business is so upside down now. It's not just about the bling-bling.
When the media defines something, you have to question: Is it the definition that you want applied to your culture? I'm trying to determine who's leaving the legacy, and if the legacy that is being left is a positive one.
Why would you create a movie for black people if you don't understand the history and perspective of the people you are doing it for? You need historical perspective to make sound decisions.
Young kids are taking Viagra, ecstasy. They even want instant sex.
