Actor Carl Gordon Dies at 78

Actor Carl Gordon died on July 20 at the age of 78, The New York Times reports.  Gordon died in Jetersville, Virginia of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, his family told the Times. 

Gordon's Broadway credits include the original production of August Wilson's THE PIANO LESSON, in which he played Doaker.  Gordon also played Doaker in the 1995 television adaptation of THE PIANO LESSON.  On Broadway, Gordon also appeared in the musical AIN'T SUPPOSED TO DIE A NATURAL DEATH and in the 2003 revival of Wilson's Ma Rainey'S BLACK BOTTOM. 

According to the Times, Gordon was best known for his performance on The Situation comedy 'Roc,' in which he played the grandfather of a working-class family from Baltimore.  The series, which first aired in 1991, aired for three seasons, the latter two of which were shown live.  Of the live seasons, Gordon said to the Chicago Sun-Times in 1992, "It feels good. It's like going back to Broadway."

Gordon also appeared on television on 'Law and Order' and 'ER.'  He appeared in the 1984 film 'The Brother from Another Planet.' 

The Times reports that Gordon is survived by his third wife, six children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.