Cleavon Jake Little (June 1, 1939 -- October 22, 1992) was an American stage, film, and television actor. He began his career in the late 1960s on the stage. In 1970, he starred in the Broadway production of Purlie, for which he earned both a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award. His first leading television role was that of the irreverent Dr. Jerry Noland on the ABC sitcom Temperatures Rising (1972 -- 1974). Shortly before the program 's conclusion, Little gave what has become his signature performance, portraying Sheriff Bart in the Mel Brooks comedy film Blazing Saddles (1974).
who was the black actor in blazing saddles
Cleavon Jake Little