John Outterbridge was an American actor who is best known for Daniel and the Towers (1987), Leimert Park: The Story of a Village in South Central Los Angeles (2006), and The Healing Passage: Voices from the Water (2004). He was also a talented artist recognized for his sculptures made from recycled materials.
Personal and Family Life
John Outterbridge was born on March 12, 1933, in Greenville, North Carolina. His father worked as a handyman and salvager, filling their backyard with items from the junk trade. Outterbridge studied at North Carolina A&T State University and later moved to Los Angeles, where he connected with Noah Purifoy, the co-founder of the Watts Towers Arts Center. He served in the Army in Germany, where he painted murals in schools and officers’ clubs.
Death and Legacy
Outterbridge passed away on December 23, 2020, in Los Angeles, California, due to natural causes. His works and contributions to the art community have left a lasting impact, especially in the Black assemblage movement. He is remembered for his ability to transform discarded materials into meaningful art.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel and the Towers | 1987 | Postman |
| Leimert Park: The Story of a Village in South Central Los Angeles | 2006 | Self |
| The Healing Passage: Voices from the Water | 2004 | Self |