Roger E. Mosley was an actor who starred in “Magnum, P.I.” as helicopter pilot Theodore “T.C.” Calvin.
- Died: August 7, 2022 (Who else died on August 7?)
- Details of death: Died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles of injuries sustained in a car accident at the age of 83.
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Acting career
Mosley’s early career featured roles in several blaxploitation films, including “The Mack,” “Hit Man,” and “Sweet Jesus, Preacherman.” Among his most prominent movie roles was the starring role in the 1976 biopic “Leadbelly.” In 1980, Mosley landed a starring role alongside Tom Selleck in “Magnum, P.I.” He played the pilot and owner of the helicopter charter service Island Hoppers, who often flew his friend Thomas Magnum around the Hawaiian Islands. Mosley stayed with “Magnum, P.I.” throughout its eight seasons, and when the show was rebooted in 2018, he guest-starred on an episode. His many other TV guest appearances include “Sanford and Son,” “Kojak,” “Night Court,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and “Las Vegas.” Mosley had a recurring role on the first season of “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” as Coach Ricketts.
Notable quote
“They [the Magnum writers] keep writing for me to smoke and drink, but I won’t do it. I never get high, smoke or drink on the show or in real life. That’s not what I want Black kids to see.” —from a 1982 interview for Ebony
Tributes to Roger E. Mosley
Full obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
