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Bill Duke




Born in Poughkeepsie , New York , Duke received his first instruction in the performing arts at Boston University . After also studying at New York University 's Tisch School of Arts and the AFI Conservatory , Duke began his career behind the camera, directing Episode s of several noteworthy 1980s Television Series , including '' Hill Street Blues '' and '' Miami Vice ''.

Standing an imposing 6'4 and featuring a closely shaved head, Duke became a familiar face to moviegoers after portraying tough guys alongside '' as the evil Bolivar Trask .

Other Duke films include '' Car Wash '' ( 1976 ) where he portrays Abdullah, and '' American Gigolo '' ( 1980 ) as a homosexual. In ''American Gigolo'', Duke is seen with hair as opposed to his other films.

Returning to the director's chair, Duke began directing feature-length Film s in the 1990s with crime dramas '' A Rage In Harlem '' and '' Deep Cover ''. He also directed '' The Cemetery Club '' and the well-received '' Sister Act 2 '', starring Whoopi Goldberg . Duke continues to act and direct for both the small and silver screens. He is also a Mentor for young African-American s aspiring for the performance arts.


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