Image source - USA Today

Melvin Van Peebles was an American actor cum filmmaker cum composer cum playwright cum novelist. In short, Melvin was an all-rounder which indeed made him the Godfather of Black cinema. But this great actor also left us like many others, with his demise seen on Tuesday i.e. 21st September, 2021.

The 89-year-old actor was reported to take his last breath at his home in Manhattan while he was surrounded by his family members. As per CNN, the news of his demise was shared by his family only. Other sources say that his death was announced in a statement by two other references namely The Criterion Collection and Janus Films.

Melvin was father to three children, namely Mario Van Peebles, Megan Van Peebles and Max Van Peebles. His children sobbed his death but were brave enough to feel pride seeing the empowerment he have brought round, especially in case of the Blacks.

Melvin's son Mario Van Peebles said in a statement that his dad always knew the importance of black images an used to say that if an image can bring about a thousand words, then imagine the worth of a black movie. He added that he always saw success in true freedom which isn't same as imitating the colonizer's notions and mentality. His appreciation for power, beauty and connection between people was top-notch.

In short, though the actor has left the world but his deeds and his carefree thoughts will always stay by our side. Talking about his works, he has been seen in many roles in numerous movies ,TV shows and albums. 

His role in movies like Baadasssss! in 2003, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song in 1971, Watermeon Man in 1970, The Story Of A 3-Day Pass (1968), Panther (1995), How To Eat Your Watermelon In White Company (And Enjoy It) in 2005, Gang In Blue in 1995, Peeples in 2013, Armed in 2018, and many others have been highly admired by the viewers.

Presenting a glimpse of the poster of one of his famous movies, namely "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song" in 1971 -

source - Blerds Online

He has been a part of many music albums, which were a hit in those times like The Last Transmission in 2014, Ghetto Gothic in 1994, What The.... You Mean I Can't Sing in 1974, As Serious As A Heart-Attack in 1971, Ain't Supposed to Die A Natural Death in 1970 and others.

Presenting a glimpse of the poster of one of his famous music albums, namely "As Serious As A Heart-Attack " in 1971 -

source - Carousell.

Along with being a part of many movies and music albums, Melvin Van Peebles have also been a apart of many TV shows like The Shining in 1997, Sonny Spoon in 1988, The Sophisticated Gents, Sex: The Revolution in 2008, and Family Figures.

Presenting a glimpse of  one of the famous TV Shows of which he has been a part , namely "The Shining" in 1997 -

source - Mark Bould

This year has been marking the death of many known celebrities like Peebles, Willie Garson, and others.

Wishing their family and friends the strength to bear their loss.

May all be healthy and happy.

Keep praying for the peace of their soul.