Moses Gunn was an American stage and television actor best known for his powerful portrayal of Othello on Broadway and his Tony‑nominated role in The Poison Tree (1976). His work also earned him an Emmy nomination for the miniseries Roots (1977).
Early Days
Raised in Missouri among six siblings, Gunn attended Tennessee State University before completing graduate studies at Kansas University, where he honed his craft on campus stages.
Fun Facts
Gunn’s stage career included a standout performance in Jean Genet’s The Blacks and an Obie Award for Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus produced by Joseph Papp’s Shakespeare in the Park. (The exact year of the award is inferred.)
Family Life
He married Gwendolyn Mumma Landes, and together they raised a son named Justin; their family life was kept largely private.
Collaborations With
Gunn worked closely with playwright Jean Genet, director Joseph Papp, and the Broadway community that produced The Poison Tree and Othello. (Specific collaborators beyond these are inferred.)