Bill Nunn, known for playing the iconic Radio Raheem in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, died on Saturday at the age of 63 after a long battle with leukemia.
Lee announced Nunn’s death with an statement posted to Instagram.
“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 wrote. “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.”
Nunn acted in three of Lee’s movies, including School Daze, Do the Right Thing and Mo’ Better Blues. He was also known for his role as Joseph “Robbie” Robertson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films.
A number of actors, celebrities and friends offered tributes and remembrances to Nunn, who died at his home in Pittsburgh.
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Write to Mahita Gajanan at mahita.gajanan@time.com