Dorian Harewood

Dorian Harewood (born W. Dorian Harewood August 6, 1950) is an American actor. He first garnered attention for his portrayal of Simon Haley (father of author Alex Haley) in the ABC miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. He is also known for his roles in Full Metal Jacket and The Jesse Owens Story, and for his co-starring role in the ABC Television series Strike Force. In 1994, he was awarded the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, Mini-Series or Television Movie, for his recurring role as jazz/blues saxophonist Clarence "Cool Papa" Charleston on the NBC drama series I'll Fly Away.

Harewood was born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Emerson Macauly and Estelle Olivia Harewood. He is married to actress/writer Ann McCurry with whom he has two children, Olivia Ruth and John Dorian. He also has five siblings, Emerson M. Harewood, Jr. (deceased), Theolanda Harewood, Philip B. Harewood, Floranne E. Dunford and Lawanda G. Pitts.