Tim Reid
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Born Name:
Timothy Lee Reid Sr.
Born Date: December 19, 1944
Born Place: Norfolk, Virginia
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian, director
Brief Biography: Timothy Lee Reid is director best known for breaking barriers as half of the first successful interracial comedy duo, "Tim and Tom". He is highly recognized for iconic television roles including Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati and Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister.
Early Life and The Tim and Tom Comedy Duo:
Education: Earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Norfolk State College in 1968 and initially worked as a marketing representative for DuPont Corporation.
Tim & Tom: While working in Chicago, he met insurance salesman Tom Dreesen. In 1969, following a suggestion from a student, they formed a stand-up act and toured nationally as the trailblazing "Tim and Tom" duo.
Memoir: Reid detailed this groundbreaking era of his early career in the 2008 book Tim & Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White (co-written with Ron Rapoport).
Television Legacy:
Reid seamlessly transitioned to television, taking on roles that pushed against cultural stereotypes and showcased his depth as a performer:
WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982): Gained widespread fame playing the cool, laid-back DJ Venus Flytrap.
Simon & Simon (1983–1987): Played Lieutenant Marcel "Downtown" Brown.
Sister, Sister (1994–1999): Became a familiar face to a new generation as Ray Campbell.
That '70s Show (2004–2006): Appeared as William Barnett.
Production and Directing:
Frank's Place (1987–1988): Co-created and starred in this highly acclaimed CBS comedy-drama with his wife, Daphne Maxwell Reid. It earned him multiple Emmy nominations, an NAACP Image Award, and praise for its progressive storytelling.
New Millennium Studios: In 1997, he opened New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, Virginia, becoming one of the very few Black filmmakers to own a full-service film and television studio.
Born Date: December 19, 1944
Born Place: Norfolk, Virginia
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian, director
Brief Biography: Timothy Lee Reid is director best known for breaking barriers as half of the first successful interracial comedy duo, "Tim and Tom". He is highly recognized for iconic television roles including Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati and Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister.
Early Life and The Tim and Tom Comedy Duo:
Education: Earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Norfolk State College in 1968 and initially worked as a marketing representative for DuPont Corporation.
Tim & Tom: While working in Chicago, he met insurance salesman Tom Dreesen. In 1969, following a suggestion from a student, they formed a stand-up act and toured nationally as the trailblazing "Tim and Tom" duo.
Memoir: Reid detailed this groundbreaking era of his early career in the 2008 book Tim & Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White (co-written with Ron Rapoport).
Television Legacy:
Reid seamlessly transitioned to television, taking on roles that pushed against cultural stereotypes and showcased his depth as a performer:
WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982): Gained widespread fame playing the cool, laid-back DJ Venus Flytrap.
Simon & Simon (1983–1987): Played Lieutenant Marcel "Downtown" Brown.
Sister, Sister (1994–1999): Became a familiar face to a new generation as Ray Campbell.
That '70s Show (2004–2006): Appeared as William Barnett.
Production and Directing:
Frank's Place (1987–1988): Co-created and starred in this highly acclaimed CBS comedy-drama with his wife, Daphne Maxwell Reid. It earned him multiple Emmy nominations, an NAACP Image Award, and praise for its progressive storytelling.
New Millennium Studios: In 1997, he opened New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, Virginia, becoming one of the very few Black filmmakers to own a full-service film and television studio.