Duane R. Jones, a charismatic and accomplished individual, will be forever immortalized as Ben, the resourceful and ill-fated hero of George A. Romero's groundbreaking low-budget zombie film, Night of the Living Dead, released in 1968. Prior to his foray into the world of cinema, Jones had a background in academia, serving as an English professor at the Maguire Theater at the Old Westbury campus of New York State University. Additionally, he held the position of artistic director at the Richard Allen Center in New York City, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
Jones's casting as the hero in Night of the Living Dead was a significant milestone, as he became the first African-American actor to portray the lead character in a horror film. His tall and talented presence on screen was evident in a handful of other B-grade horror movies, including Ganja & Hess, released in 1973, and Vampires, released in 1986. Although he appeared in a limited number of films, his iconic role as Ben remains his most enduring and memorable on-screen performance.
Tragically, Jones's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 51 due to heart failure. Despite his untimely departure, his legacy as a talented actor and his groundbreaking role in the horror genre continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans of the film.
