The president of Atlanta’s Morehouse College on Monday mourned the death of alumnus and actor William “Bill” Nunn III, whose work included the iconic role of Radio Raheem in the film “Do the Right Thing.”
Nunn, 63, died Saturday at his home in Pittsburgh. He worked in films as diverse as "New Jack City" and the Spiderman trilogy. He also appeared in several films directed by fellow Morehouse alum Spike Lee.
Morehouse President John Silvanus Wilson Jr. found special meaning in Nunn’s portrayal of Radio Raheem in Lee’s “Do the Right Thing.” In the film, Nunn’s character dies at the hands of Brooklyn police.
“We all will remember him in `School Daze,’ `New Jack City,’ the `Spiderman’ trilogy, `A Raisin in the Sun’ and other roles,” Wilson said. “But at this crucial time for our nation, his role as Radio Raheem in Lee’s epic “Do The Right Thing” as the young man who died at the hands of the police, highlighting the need to solve problems of race and policing in this country, is especially notable and ironic.”
Nunn was a 1976 Morehouse graduate. Wilson said he “did what every Morehouse Man is charged to do – demonstrate acuity, practice integrity, exhibit agency, commit to brotherhood and lead consequential lives.”
“I join the entire Morehouse community in sending our dearest condolences and love to his family,” Wilson said. “Rest in peace, Morehouse Man.”
Lee also mourned Nunn on Instagram over the weekend.
“Radio Raheem is now resting in power,” Lee wrote, calling Nunn “My Dear Friend” and “My Dear Morehouse Brother.”
“Radio Raheem will always be fighting da powers dat be. May God watch over Bill Nunn,” Lee wrote.
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