"Let me tell you the story of Right Hand, Left Hand. It's a tale of good and evil…" RIP Bill Nunn (Radio Raheem in "Do the Right Thing") pic.twitter.com/aJVLuA9qGZ
Veteran actor Bill Nunn, most famous for playing Radio Raheem in Spike Lee’s Oscar-nominated film “Do The Right Thing,” has died. According to Nunn’s wife Donna, her husband lost his battle to cancer on Saturday in their Pittsburgh home, the Associated Press reported. Nunn was only 63-years-old.
Lee took to Instagram to confirm the news of the loss of his dear friend who starred in many of films including “He Got Game,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” and “School Daze.”
“My Dear Friend, My Dear Morehouse Brother- Da Great Actor Bill Nunn As Most Of You Know Him As Radio Raheem Passed Away This Morning In His Hometown Of Pittsburgh,” Lee Tweeted with a picture of Raheem. “Long Live Bill NUNN. RADIO RAHEEM Is Now RESTING IN POWER. RADIO RAHEEM WILL ALWAYS BE FIGHTING DA POWERS DAT BE. MAY GOD WATCH OVER BILL NUNN,” Lee wrote.
Lee also posted another pic, writing, “Love Raheem” and “Bill Nunn Rest In Power” written on it. After a long note about his friend, he wrote, “Raheem I love you bruh…”
The son of Pittsburgh Steelers football scout of the same name Bill Nunn, Nunn Jr. graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta before he broke into movies in the late 1980s, first being cast in Lee’s School Daze, USA Today noted. During his illustrious carer, Nunn also went on to appear in dozens of films and TV shows, including “New Jack City,” Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy and USA’s “Sirens.”
Given Nunn’s iconic status, Twitter sent their condolences as soon as news hit of the actor’s death.
Thank U Mr.Bill Nunn 4 portraying beautifully, a character that is a symbol 4 so much.I've always admired the HONESTY in ALL Ur work.🙏🏾R.I.P pic.twitter.com/YHZnmEcmP8
Looking back, the way in which Radio Raheem died was eerily similar to #EricGarner …Bill Nunn was an amazing actor & shall be missed. #RIPpic.twitter.com/ua1jCZtPIT