About
His big film was the cult classic, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. He amassed over 40 on-screen acting roles throughout his long career. As a screenwriter, he contributed to Panther, The Sophisticated Gents, and Greased Lightning.
Before Fame
While in Mexico, he became a portrait painter before deciding to return to America to drive cable cars.
Trivia
Born in Chicago, he became known for his focused films and his first book, The Big Heart. He directed several short films and a couple of episodes of television.
Family Life
His son is actor and director Mario Van Peebles.
Associated With
He was in The Shining, an adaptation of the book by Stephen King.
