Actor
Melvin Van Peebles
- Born: 21 August 1932, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Estimated net worth: $5 million
Melvin Van Peebles was a pioneering African American filmmaker and actor known for his influential work in the genre of independent cinema. He gained recognition for films like 'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song' and 'The Story of a Three-Day Pass.' His…
Melvin Van Peebles: best films and shows
About Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin Van Peebles was a pioneering African American filmmaker and actor known for his influential work in the genre of independent cinema. He gained recognition for films like 'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song' and 'The Story of a Three-Day Pass.' His distinctive style and commitment to authentic storytelling have earned him a lasting legacy in film history.
- Born
- 21 August 1932, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Died
- 21 September 2021
- Known for
- Acting
- Height
- 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
- Spouses
- Melvin Van Peebles (1996-2003)
- Children
- 4 children, including Mario Van Peebles
- Parents
- Melvin Van Peebles Sr., Etta Van Peebles
- Estimated net worth
- $5 million
Fun facts about Melvin Van Peebles
- Melvin Van Peebles was also a successful playwright and novelist, showcasing his diverse talents beyond film.
- He served in the U.S. Air Force before pursuing a career in entertainment, which influenced his unique perspectives in his works.
Famous Melvin Van Peebles quotes
“You have to be prepared to die before you can really live.”
“The only thing that can kill you is fear.”
“I want to make films that change the world.”
Melvin Van Peebles filmography
Cast (58)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Hollywood Black TV | Self (archive footage) | 3.0 |
| 2022 | Sweet Black Film: The Birth of the Black Hero in Hollywood Movie | Self | 7.5 |
| 2021 | Oscar Micheaux: The Superhero of Black Filmmaking Movie | Self | 6.2 |
| 2018 | Armed Movie | Grandpa V. | 4.3 |
| 2013 | Peeples Movie | Grandpa Peeples | 5.6 |
| 2012 | Salty Dog Blues Movie | Self (Interviewee) | |
| 2011 | Redemption Road Movie | Elmo | 5.0 |
| 2011 | The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 Movie | Self (voice) | 7.5 |
| 2011 | Infiltrating Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of the Spook Who Sat by the Door Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2009 | American Swing Movie | Self | 4.9 |
Show 48 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Directors on Directing Movie | Self | |
| 2009 | The Black List: Volume Two Movie | Self | 6.0 |
| 2008 | Confessions of a Ex-Doofus-ItchyFooted Mutha Movie | Melvin Van Peebles | 6.5 |
| 2008 | Sex: The Revolution TV | Self | 7.0 |
| 2007 | Blackout Movie | George | 5.5 |
| 2006 | Hard Luck Movie | Hospital Prophet | 5.5 |
| 2006 | SMUT Movie | Elmoore | 9.0 |
| 2006 | Midnight Blue, Vol. 3: Celebrities Edition Movie | Self (archive footage) | |
| 2005 | How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It) Movie | Unknown character | 7.2 |
| 2005 | Unstoppable Movie | Self | |
| 2003 | The Hebrew Hammer Movie | Sweetback | 5.5 |
| 2003 | The Real Deal: What It Is Movie | Self | |
| 2002 | BaadAsssss Cinema Movie | Self | 6.0 |
| 2000 | Girlfriends TV | Kenneth Daly | 7.3 |
| 2000 | René Vautier, le rebelle Movie | Self | 10.0 |
| 1999 | Love Kills Movie | Able | 3.5 |
| 1998 | Classified X Movie | Self | 5.4 |
| 1997 | The Shining TV | Richard Hallorann | 6.3 |
| 1997 | Riot Movie | Vernon | 5.4 |
| 1996 | Calm at Sunset Movie | Mr. Bucket | 6.2 |
| 1996 | Gang in Blue Movie | Andre Speier | 5.2 |
| 1995 | Panther Movie | Old Jail Bird | 6.3 |
| 1995 | Fist of the North Star Movie | Asher | 4.3 |
| 1994 | Terminal Velocity Movie | Noble | 5.4 |
| 1993 | Living Single TV | Unknown character | 8.0 |
| 1993 | Farewell, Babylon! Movie | Self | |
| 1993 | Last Action Hero Movie | Self | 6.5 |
| 1993 | Posse Movie | Papa Joe | 5.5 |
| 1993 | Homicide: Life on the Street TV | Bennett Jackson | 8.1 |
| 1992 | Boomerang Movie | Editor | 5.7 |
| 1992 | Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong Movie | Louis Armstrong (voice) | 7.0 |
| 1991 | True Identity Movie | Taxi Driver | 5.6 |
| 1990 | Dream On TV | Norman Green | 6.9 |
| 1989 | Making 'Do the Right Thing' Movie | Self | 6.9 |
| 1989 | Identity Crisis Movie | The Inspector | 2.2 |
| 1988 | Sonny Spoon TV | Unknown character | 5.5 |
| 1988 | Taking Care of Terrific Movie | Hawk | 5.5 |
| 1987 | Jaws: The Revenge Movie | Mr. Witherspoon | 4.1 |
| 1987 | O.C. and Stiggs Movie | Wino Bob | 4.6 |
| 1986 | America Movie | Man Interviewed | 4.0 |
| 1981 | The Sophisticated Gents TV | Walter 'Moon' Porter | 8.5 |
| 1973 | Wattstax Movie | Self | 6.8 |
| 1971 | Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song Movie | Sweetback | 5.1 |
| 1970 | Watermelon Man Movie | Sign Painter (uncredited) | 6.3 |
| 1964 | Pour le plaisir TV | Self | |
| 1964 | Seize millions de jeunes TV | Self | |
| 1957 | Sunlight Movie | Unknown character | 10.0 |
| 1951 | Hallmark Hall of Fame TV | Bucket | 8.8 |
Crew (57)
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Confessions of a Ex-Doofus-ItchyFooted Mutha Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.5 |
| 2008 | Confessions of a Ex-Doofus-ItchyFooted Mutha Movie | Director · Directing | 6.5 |
| 2004 | Baadasssss! Movie | Book · Writing | 6.5 |
| 2003 | The Real Deal: What It Is Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 2000 | Bellyful Movie | Director · Directing | 8.0 |
Show 52 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Bellyful Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 8.0 |
| 2000 | Bellyful Movie | Novel · Writing | 8.0 |
| 2000 | Bellyful Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 8.0 |
| 2000 | Bellyful Movie | Writer · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1998 | Classified X Movie | Writer · Writing | 5.4 |
| 1996 | Gang in Blue Movie | Producer · Production | 5.2 |
| 1996 | Gang in Blue Movie | Director · Directing | 5.2 |
| 1996 | Tales of Erotica Movie | Writer · Writing | 3.9 |
| 1996 | Tales of Erotica Movie | Director · Directing | 3.9 |
| 1995 | Panther Movie | Novel · Writing | 6.3 |
| 1995 | Panther Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.3 |
| 1995 | Panther Movie | Producer · Production | 6.3 |
| 1995 | The Outer Limits TV | Director · Directing | 7.7 |
| 1995 | Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom Movie | Writer · Writing | 3.2 |
| 1995 | Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom Movie | Editor · Editing | 3.2 |
| 1995 | Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom Movie | Director · Directing | 3.2 |
| 1995 | Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 3.2 |
| 1995 | Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom Movie | Producer · Production | 3.2 |
| 1994 | Erotic Tales TV | Director · Directing | |
| 1989 | Identity Crisis Movie | Editor · Editing | 2.2 |
| 1989 | Identity Crisis Movie | Producer · Production | 2.2 |
| 1989 | Identity Crisis Movie | Director · Directing | 2.2 |
| 1989 | 976-STUD Movie | Director · Directing | 8.0 |
| 1987 | The Day They Came to Arrest the Book Movie | Writer · Writing | 8.0 |
| 1984 | CBS Schoolbreak Special TV | Writer · Writing | 5.5 |
| 1981 | The Sophisticated Gents TV | Teleplay · Writing | 8.5 |
| 1977 | Greased Lightning Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.4 |
| 1977 | Greased Lightning Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.4 |
| 1976 | Just an Old Sweet Song Movie | Writer · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1973 | Don't Play Us Cheap Movie | Director · Directing | 6.0 |
| 1973 | Don't Play Us Cheap Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.0 |
| 1973 | Don't Play Us Cheap Movie | Editor · Editing | 6.0 |
| 1973 | Don't Play Us Cheap Movie | Theatre Play · Writing | 6.0 |
| 1973 | Don't Play Us Cheap Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 6.0 |
| 1973 | Don't Play Us Cheap Movie | Songs · Sound | 6.0 |
| 1971 | Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song Movie | Director · Directing | 5.1 |
| 1971 | Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 5.1 |
| 1971 | Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song Movie | Editor · Editing | 5.1 |
| 1971 | Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song Movie | Producer · Production | 5.1 |
| 1971 | Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 5.1 |
| 1970 | Watermelon Man Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 6.3 |
| 1970 | Watermelon Man Movie | Director · Directing | 6.3 |
| 1969 | Slogan Movie | Writer · Writing | 5.7 |
| 1968 | The Story of a Three-Day Pass Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.5 |
| 1968 | The Story of a Three-Day Pass Movie | Music · Sound | 6.5 |
| 1968 | The Story of a Three-Day Pass Movie | Director · Directing | 6.5 |
| 1961 | 500 Francs Movie | Writer · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1961 | 500 Francs Movie | Original Music Composer · Sound | 7.0 |
| 1961 | 500 Francs Movie | Director · Directing | 7.0 |
| 1957 | Three Pick-Up Men for Herrick Movie | Writer · Writing | 7.0 |
| 1957 | Three Pick-Up Men for Herrick Movie | Director · Directing | 7.0 |
| 1957 | Sunlight Movie | Director · Directing | 10.0 |
Latest releases
- Sweet Black Film: The Birth of the Black Hero in Hollywood2022 / TMDB 7.5
- Oscar Micheaux: The Superhero of Black Filmmaking2021 / TMDB 6.2
- Armed2018 / TMDB 4.3
- Peeples2013 / TMDB 5.6
- Salty Dog Blues2012
- Redemption Road2011 / TMDB 5.0
Questions about Melvin Van Peebles
What are some career highlights of Melvin Van Peebles?
Melvin Van Peebles is known for his groundbreaking film 'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song,' which is credited with launching the Blaxploitation genre. His work in theatre and literature also contributed to his reputation as a multifaceted artist.
Did Melvin Van Peebles win any awards?
Melvin Van Peebles received several accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the African-American Film Critics Association in 2016. His contributions to cinema have been recognized as groundbreaking.
What was Melvin Van Peebles' first film?
His first film was 'The Story of a Three-Day Pass' released in 1968, which explored themes of race and identity. This film marked the beginning of his influential career in filmmaking.
What are some of his most successful films?
'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song' and 'Don't Play Us Cheap' are among his most successful films, both critically and financially, helping to establish the independent film movement in the 1970s.
What is known about his personal life?
Melvin Van Peebles had a diverse personal life, having been married multiple times and fathering four children, including actor Mario Van Peebles. His family often supported his artistic endeavors.
What was Melvin Van Peebles' estimated net worth?
Melvin Van Peebles was estimated to have a net worth of around $5 million, reflecting his successful career in film, television, and theatre.
What are some milestones in Melvin Van Peebles' filmography?
Notable milestones include the release of 'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song' in 1971, which was one of the first feature-length films directed by an African American. His other significant works include 'The Watermelon Man' and 'Bamboozled.'
How did Melvin Van Peebles influence cinema?
Melvin Van Peebles influenced cinema by challenging racial stereotypes and creating a platform for African American stories. His innovative techniques and themes paved the way for future generations of filmmakers.