Geoffrey Holder - Actor Profile

Geoffrey Holder

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
30Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 1, 1930
Birth Place: Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

About Geoffrey Holder

Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad of African descent, Holder was an actor known for his towering 200-centimeter (6'6") height, heavily accented deep basso voice and hearty laugh. With that and his appearance in the 1970s 7 Up soft drink "uncola" advertising campaign, Holder's image quickly became recognizable. He was also in the 1967 movie Dr. Dolittle as William Shakespeare, "Willy," and played Baron Samedi, one of the main villain's henchmen, in the 1973 James Bond film, Live and Let Die. Though the 7 Up advertising campaign lasted only a short while in the early 1970s, the company revived the campaign in the early 1980s after Holder achieved a spike in popularity in the 1982 movie version of the musical Annie, in which he played the role of Punjab. He was a prolific painter, ardent art collector, and performer who had also authored books and composed music. As a choreographer, he created dance pieces for many companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Holder was married to dancer Carmen De Lavallade, whom he met when both were in the cast of Truman Capote's House of Flowers. .

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Geoffrey Holder reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 30 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Geoffrey Holder's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 33% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Geoffrey Holder remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Magistical, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Geoffrey Holder Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Geoffrey Holder's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Geoffrey Holder.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2008 The Magistical Narrator Super Hit Similar →
2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
2005 Carmen & Geoffrey Self Flop Similar →
2002 Bear in the Big Blue House LIVE! - Surprise Party Ray Super Hit Similar →
1999 Goosed Dr. Bowman Flop Similar →
1998 Chance or Coincidence Gerry Flop Similar →
1995 Going, Going, Almost Gone! Animals in Danger - Super Hit Similar →
1992 Boomerang Nelson Average Similar →
1992 Tropical Rainforest Narrator Flop Similar →
1990 Night of 100 Stars III Self Flop Similar →
1987 Ghost of a Chance Johnson Flop Similar →
1986 John Grin's Christmas Ghost of Christmas Future Flop Similar →
1985 Night of 100 Stars II Self Super Hit Similar →
1983 Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat Hit Similar →
1982 All by Myself: The Eartha Kitt Story Self Flop Similar →
1982 Annie Punjab Hit Similar →
1982 Lights! Camera! Annie! The Making of a Major Hollywood Musical Self / Punjab Flop Similar →
1980 The Gold Bug Jupiter Flop Similar →
1976 Swashbuckler Cudjo Average Similar →
1975 The Noah Friday Average Similar →
1974 Goggles! (voice) Flop Similar →
1973 Live and Let Die Baron Samedi Hit Similar →
1973 Bond 1973: The Lost Documentary Self Average Similar →
1973 The Man Without a Country Slave on Ship Hit Similar →
1972 Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex *But Were Afraid to Ask Sorcerer Hit Similar →
1969 Krakatoa, East of Java Sailor Average Similar →
1967 Doctor Dolittle William Shakespeare X Average Similar →
1967 Androcles and the Lion Lion Flop Similar →
1958 Aladdin Genie Flop Similar →
1956 Carib Gold Voo Doo Dancer Flop Similar →

Geoffrey Holder - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Geoffrey Holder?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Geoffrey Holder is "The Magistical" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Geoffrey Holder acted in?

Geoffrey Holder has been featured in at least 30 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Geoffrey Holder?

Other notable films include "Going, Going, Almost Gone! Animals in Danger", "Bear in the Big Blue House LIVE! - Surprise Party", and "Night of 100 Stars II".