By Dennis McCaslin- Editor and Publisher
Harold Reynolds was born in Sequoyah County on January 27, 1940 to Harry Reynolds Sr. and Mary Reynolds and while his career as a stand-up comedian and actor all occurred under a different (stage) name, he was one of the most recognizable faces among African-American character actors in the 80's and 90's.
Getting a late start on his entertainment career after getting a teaching degree and leading classrooms seven years, Reynolds, who assumed the stage name of Reynaldo Rey in 1974, went from relative obscurity to become one of the ensemble members of a number of financially successful films over a 30-year career.
Little is known about Rey's early life in Sequoyah County. Ancestral records indicate he was born into a mixed-race family in the Maple community in the foothills of the Cookson Hills, approximately 25 miles northwest of Fort Smith.
His father was thought to be a descendant of a black freedman who married into the Cherokee Nation. In a 1998 interview, Rey told a reporter his parents moved to Hutchison, Kansas when he was twelve years old to take advantage of desegregated schools, a move which saw the youngster get a quality education that prepared him for college.
Rey graduated from Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) and was a teacher, first in Wichita and then in Cleveland.
Rey spent seven years teaching in Cleveland. , before his comedic talents were ignited at the renowned Karamu House Theatre. It was there that his comedic flair was kindled, leading to an adventurous stint on the road with the early 70's sensation The O'Jays.
Performing stand-up comedy during their shows, this experience helped him gain exposure and build his reputation as a comedian before moving on to other significant opportunities.
Rey also appeared twice in 1973 as a contestant on the popular game show Match Game. He failed o win any money on his first appearance, but was brought back due to a technicality, and would go on to win three games, and a total of $650. That money went towards his wedding and he married Edith Evelyn Bristow in Clevland in November of that year.
His journey then took him to New York City's bustling streets and the iconic Harlem Theater Group, where he graced the stage for the first time. It was during this time that he changed his stage name to "Reynaldo Rey".
Performances across Europe, Asia, and Africa soon followed, enriching his comedic repertoire.
He made his film debut in the Garry Marshall parody Young Doctors in Love"nin 1982 playing a cop in his first celluloid role at the age of 42.
Reynaldo Rey's career in the entertainment industry flourished over decades, making him a familiar face in American households through roles in over 50 movies, including Friday, House Party 3, White Men Can't Jump, A Rage in Harlem, and Harlem Nights.
His television presence was equally impressive, with co-hosting stints on BET's Comic View and appearances on The Tonight Show, The Parent Hood, and 227.
His versatility shone through in acting and music, as he recorded comedy albums and produced his videos.
Reynaldo's apprenticeship and early career were marked by significant mentorship and collaboration with some of the most iconic figures in comedy and entertainment. His most notable mentor was Redd Foxx, who played a crucial role in shaping his career.
Rey opened for Foxx in Las Vegas and around the country, learning the ins and outs of show business from the seasoned comedian.
In 1996, Rey wrote, directed, and starred in “Hollywood P.O.”, a musical comedy set in a post office and co-starring Sherman Hemsley, which was produced at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. He had been writing a movie about Mr. Foxx, who died in 1991.
Rey also worked with other legends such as Della Reese, Richard Pryor, Arsenio Hall, and Eddie Murphy.
His last on-screen role was in 2012's Pawn Shop. According to court records he left am estate valued at just over $14 million to his second wife, two daughters, and a son.
Rey passed away on May 28, 2015, in Los Angeles, California, after battling complications from a stroke. His final resting place is at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.
