Anthony Chisholm, Tony-nominated actor and 'Chi-Raq' star, dies at 77

Charles Trepany, USA TODAY
·2 min read
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Anthony Chisholm, a Tony-nominated actor who had a longtime collaboration with famed playwright August Wilson, has died. He was 77.

The Katz Company, the talent management firm representing Chisholm, confirmed the news in a statement to USA TODAY on Friday.

"The Katz Company is saddened to announce the passing of our longtime friend and client, Tony-Nominee, Anthony Chisholm," the statement read. "Affectionately called ‘Chiz,’ he was an actor and storyteller like none-other, embodying loyalty, devotion, and compassion to his artistry."

Born on April 9, 1943 in Cleveland, Chisholm served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a platoon leader. His experiences in Vietnam later inspired the HBO television series "Vietnam War Story," which premiered in 1987.

Chisholm's career-spanning collaboration with Wilson began in 1990, when he auditioned for Wilson's play "Two Trains Running." Cast in the role of Wolf, Chisholm performed in the play's first run at the Yale Repertory Theatre in Connecticut and went on to tour with the show throughout the country before eventually appearing in it on Broadway in 1992.

That wasn't the only one of Wilson's plays to feature Chisholm. The actor also had roles in "Jitney," which ran off-Broadway in 2000; 2004's "Gem of the Ocean" and 2007's "Radio Gulf," for which he earned a Tony nomination for best performance by an actor in a play. In 2017, Chisholm appeared in the Broadway revival of "Jitney," which won the Tony for best revival of a play.

Anthony Chisholm and Harry Lennix perform in a scene from the play "Radio Golf" on April 20, 2007 at the Cort Theatre.
Anthony Chisholm and Harry Lennix perform in a scene from the play "Radio Golf" on April 20, 2007 at the Cort Theatre.

In addition to his vast stage experience, Chisholm was also a veteran of the screen, appearing in several TV shows and films, including Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq" and "Law & Order: SVU."

Throughout his career, Chisholm won multiple awards, including a NAACP Theatre Award and an Ovation Award. He also received notices and nominations from the Drama Desk Awards and Drama League Awards, among others.

Aunt Ester (Greta Oglesby), left, shares a quiet moment with Solly Two Kings (Anthony Chisholm) in this scene from the Goodman Theatre's production of August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean."
Aunt Ester (Greta Oglesby), left, shares a quiet moment with Solly Two Kings (Anthony Chisholm) in this scene from the Goodman Theatre's production of August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean."

Chisholm is survived by his son Alexander, daughter Che, son-in-law Peter Vietro-Hannum and grandchildren Ravi and Avani Vietro.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Anthony Chisholm, Tony nominee and 'Chi-Raq' star, dies at 77