Roscoe Lee Browne
An actor with a voice of velvet and thunder, whose commanding presence and elegant diction brought gravity to every role, from Shakespeare to sci-fi.
1922–2007 (age 85)·American actor and director·Birthday: May 2·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Roscoe Lee Browne possessed one of the most distinctive and cultivated voices in American performance, a rich baritone that could convey profound wisdom or cutting wit. After leaving a successful career as a world-class track athlete and literature professor, he brought a classical theatrical weight to the stage and screen. Browne refused to be limited by stereotypical roles, instead crafting characters of immense dignity and intelligence, whether as a sly narrator in 'Babe', a ruthless antagonist in 'The Cowboys', or a worldly butler on 'The Cosby Show'. His performances were masterclasses in precision and depth, making him a sought-after voice for documentaries and animation. Browne was a founding member of the groundbreaking Negro Ensemble Company, and his career stands as a monument to artistic integrity and vocal grandeur.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Roscoe was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Roscoe Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Roscoe's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 80
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2007Died at 85
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
Key Achievements
- Won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series for his narration of the 'Babe' films.
- Received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in 'The River Niger'.
- Was a founding member of the influential Negro Ensemble Company in the late 1960s.
- Delivered a celebrated performance as the narrator in the hit film 'Babe' and its sequel.
- Earned an Obie Award for his sustained excellence in off-Broadway theater.
Did You Know?
He was a national champion in the 800-yard run while attending Lincoln University.
Before acting, he was a French and comparative literature professor at Lincoln University.
He won the first-ever boxing match held at the historically black Lincoln University.
Browne was a skilled fencer and often performed his own swordplay in Shakespearean productions.
He provided the voice for the planet Saturn in the original 'Cosmos' television series with Carl Sagan.
“I have a great respect for the word. I love language. I love the sound of it in my mouth.”
