The actor known for his role of Wrestler in the ABC miniseries, 'Roots', has died at the age of 77 in Atlanta, Georgia, according to his niece in a Facebook post.
He made a notable appearance as a wrestler in 1977's Roots
77-year-old Harlem Nights star, Ji-Tu Cumbuka has passed away while surrounded by friends and family, it was announced on Sunday.
According to
Dailymail, the hollywood actor's death, which happened on Tuesday, was revealed by his niece, Amber Holifield in an emotional social media post.
The Atlanta, Georgia native wrote on Facebook: 'In my Uncle Ji-Tu's final days until his final moments he was surrounded with love and support!
'It's was a blessing for all of us to be together in his final hour, and not to mention we pretty much stayed at the hospital with him, and boy did he enjoy our company.
'He stayed strong and just as sweet as he wanted to be the entire time and that I will never forget that!
'I am so proud and blessed to be able to say that he is my uncle. Rest In Peace Uncle Ji-Tu you will always be loved and remembered!'
She also said the actor's sense of humor was 'strong up to his death.'
She said: 'I ask him if he leaves then what do I do? He said (as he would) "Deal with it... I'm dealing with it" ... so l laugh and said you iiiss right!'
While he is best know for his turns in Eddie Murphy 1989 vehicle, Harlem Nights and 1977 TV show, Roots, he also appeared in Brewster's Millions and Bound For Glory.