Nathaniel Taylor of 'Sanford and Son' Dead at 80

Nathaniel Taylor, best-known as Rollo on "Sanford and Son" (1972-1977), died Thursday following a heart attack. He was 80.

Taylor's death was confirmed by promoter Alonzo Williams, a family friend, who wrote on social media:

“Today black Hollywood lost a 70s legend Nathaniel Taylor better known as 'Rolo' of the hit show Sanford and son past Feb 27th at UCLA medical center of complications from a recent heart attack. Taylors character on Sanford and was the lovable, funny but questionable friend of Lamont the co-star of the show. Services are yet to be announced.”

Taylor made his TV debut in 1971, and appeared in several movies, most of them action films like "Trouble Man" (1972) and "The Hunter" (1980). He had roles in two films by L.A. Rebellion filmmaker Larry Clark — "As Above, So Below" (1973) and "Passing Through" (1977).

Taylor is also fondly remembered as Ike, Rerun's uncle, on two episodes of "What's Happening!!" (1977 & 1979).

In 2015, Taylor was asked to appear at an event to celebrate the restoration of the iconic Sanford truck. He said at the time, “I feel the people. I feel their genuineness. All the people here are so warm, and it's autumn. This is something I will never ever forget.”