Introduction
Paul Winfield was an American actor known for his deep, resonant voice and powerful performances on both stage and screen. Born in Los Angeles in 1939, Winfield grew up in a close-knit family that encouraged his love of the arts. Over the course of his career, he appeared in dozens of films and television shows, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards for his work. In addition to his acting, Winfield was also a talented narrator, lending his voice to documentaries, commercials, and other projects. In this post, we will explore the life and legacy of Paul Winfield, from his family and voice to his movies and narration.
Early Life and Family
Paul Winfield was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 22, 1939. He was the youngest of four children, and his parents, Lois and Clarence Winfield, were both hardworking and supportive of their children’s interests. Winfield’s sister Patricia Winfield would later become a prominent educator and advocate for children’s rights.
Winfield’s love of the arts was evident from a young age. He was a gifted singer and dancer, and he often performed in school productions and community theater. He also had a passion for writing and poetry, and he would go on to publish several collections of his work later in life.
Charles Gillian and Paul Winfield
In the early 1960s, Winfield began a relationship with fellow actor Charles Gillian. The two men were together for over 30 years, until Gillian’s death in 2002. Their relationship was not widely known during their lifetimes, as they were both private individuals who preferred to keep their personal lives out of the public eye.
Despite the challenges they faced as a same-sex couple in a society that was often hostile to LGBTQ+ people, Winfield and Gillian remained devoted to each other and to their careers. They often appeared in productions together, and their love and respect for each other was evident both on and off the stage.
Paul Winfield’s Voice
One of the most distinctive aspects of Paul Winfield’s career was his deep, resonant voice. He was often called upon to provide narration for documentaries, commercials, and other projects, and his voice became instantly recognizable to audiences around the world.
In addition to his narration work, Winfield was also a talented singer and musician. He often incorporated music into his stage performances, and he recorded several albums of his own music over the years.
Paul Winfield’s Movies
Over the course of his career, Paul Winfield appeared in dozens of films and television shows. Some of his most notable movie roles include his portrayal of Nathan Lee Morgan in the 1972 film “Sounder,” for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, and his role as Lieutenant Traxler in the 1984 science fiction classic “The Terminator.”
Winfield’s other movie credits include “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “The Serpent and the Rainbow,” and “Mars Attacks!” He was also a frequent guest star on television shows such as “The Twilight Zone,” “The Cosby Show,” and “Touched by an Angel.”
Conclusion
Paul Winfield was a talented and versatile actor whose work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. His deep, resonant voice and powerful performances on both stage and screen made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and performers.
