It is with tremendous sadness that we mourn the loss of a pioneer in the area of film, television, theatre and an unwavering voice of Howard, Professor Albert C. Freeman, Jr., who passed away on August 9, 2012 at the age of 78.

Professor Freeman joined the faculty of the Department of Theatre Arts in 1991.  For six years, he served as chair of the department before returning to his passion of the classroom laboratory where he devoted 21 years to molding the talent of the next generation of performers, administrators, and media artists.  Despite his countless honors and prestigious awards, Professor Freeman cherished his work training students to become thinking artists by mastering the skill of how the actor can communicate the deep inner emotions of human thought.

A veteran actor, Professor Freeman has amassed an impressive list of credits for performances in productions both on and off Broadway as well as cinema and television.  He has collaborated with some of the most celebrated and respected artists of our time; such as the late James “Jimmie” Baldwin and Diana Sands, Woodie King Jr., Shirley Knight, Phylicia Rashad, Patty Duke, Alfre Woodard, Spike Lee, and Bill Cosby. While Professor Freeman is well known for his award-winning role as Elijah Muhammad in MALCOM X, it was also his groundbreaking role as Captain Ed Hall on the daytime drama, One Life To Live, that is etched in the history books as the first black actor to receive the Daytime Emmy award for his character portrayal.

He was a passionate educator, a talented artist and a true legend. The immeasurable contributions Professor Freeman made in his lifetime will forever live within the hearts of the Howard University community, the nation and the world. His distinct bass voice will continue to resonate through the theatres, recordings, and films that grace his image; and within the hearts of the many people that he touched. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Sincerely,

Sidney A. Ribeau
President

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