Roscoe Orman is an actor, director, and founding member of the New Lafayette Theatre. He was a large presence within the Black Arts Movement, during which he co-founded the New Lafayette Theatre with Robert Macbeth. NLT’s mission was “to produce theatre by Black people, for Black people, to reflect the Black experience and vernacular of Harlem’s community.” Orman worked closely with artists such as Ed Bullins, Robert Hooks, Woodie King Jr., and Samm-Art Williams. His Off and Off-Off-Broadway acting credits include: THE ELECTRONIC NIGGER AND OTHERS (1968), JULIUS CAESAR (1979), CORIOLANUS (1979), THE SIXTEENTH ROUND (1980), THE TALENTED TENTH (1989), THE CONFESSIONS OF STEPIN FETCHIT (1993), and THE ROYALE (2016). He directed HOUSE PARTY (1973) at the American Place Theatre.

Orman grew up in the South Bronx, attending Catholic schools until he was accepted to the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan. It was there that he was asked by one of his teachers to perform in the theatrical revue IF WE GROW UP (1962), which earned him rave reviews. It was from there his career on stage and screen began. Orman studied at Circle in the Square Theatre School under Michael Kahn. He was also an early member of the Free Southern Theatre in New Orleans, a travelling company that brought stories about the civil rights movement to the stage. Orman is best known for playing Gordon Robinson on Sesame Street for over 40 years. His most notable film credit is Willie Dynamite (1974) as the titular character. Orman has appeared on Broadway in August Wilson’s Fences (1987) as Gabriel in the replacement cast.