Paul Benjamin, who played “ML,” one of the three cornermen in Do the Right Thing, has passed away at the age of 81. Benjamin also had roles in Across 110th Street (1972), The Education of Sonny Carson (1974), Pam Grier’s Friday Foster (1975), Clint Eastwood’s Escape From Alcatraz (1979), Richard Pryor’s Some Kind of Hero (1982), among others.
Spike Lee made the announcement on Instagram in a post that read, “I’m Sad To Write That The Great Actor PAUL BENJAMIN (Who Played ML, {Far Left} One Of The Cornermen Passed This Past Friday,2 Days Before The 30th Anniversary Of DO THE RIGHT THING. Rest In Paradise. Born 1/1/38. Died 6/28/19.”
Robert Townsend also commented on Benjamin’s death on Twitter, writing, “I am so sad to hear about the passing of Paul Benjamin.He was a brilliant actor and I had the pleasure to work with him on THE FIVE HEARTBEATS he played Eddie’s father. My prayers go out to his family at this time. Rest in paradise King.”
Paul Benjamin is best known for his role in the iconic film, Do The Right Thing. Benjamin played one of the three corner men seen throughout the film. Spike Lee and the city of New York celebrated the 30th anniversary of the film with a block party and film screening last weekend.
In addition to his contributions in Do The Right Thing, Benjamin appeared in Across 110th Street and Escape From Alcatraz. The seasoned actor also made his way in to the PBS film, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, The Five Heartbeats and John Singleton’s Rosewood.
Benjamin was the youngest twelve children. Born on New Year’s Day in 1938, the actor was raised in South Carolina before moving to New York to pursue acting. He made his last film appearance in 2016 in a film called Occupy, Texas.