Guyanese-American Performer Dies at 70 After Lifelong Mission to Embody the Pan-African Icon

New York, N.Y. – The Caribbean diaspora lost one of its most distinctive theatrical voices when Ron Bobb-Semple, the acclaimed actor who spent four decades embodying Marcus Garvey on stages across three continents, died from COVID-19 complications in Tampa, Florida, in 2022. The performer, who had just turned 70 on December 10th, experienced cardiac arrest following the onset of symptoms and passed away shortly after hospitalization.

Born in Georgetown, Guyana, on Norton Street seven decades ago, Bobb-Semple carved an extraordinary path from the Theatre Guild of Guyana Playhouse to international stages, film sets, and broadcast studios. His journey culminated in a singular artistic achievement: transforming himself into the living embodiment of Jamaica’s legendary Pan-Africanist leader through his one-man show, “The Spirit of Marcus Garvey.”

A Divine Appointment on a Brooklyn Afternoon

The genesis of Bobb-Semple’s life-defining role arrived unexpectedly at a wedding ceremony more than 40 years ago at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York. As he sat in the pews, a stained-glass window captured his attention.

“That image was of the Jamaican hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey,” Bobb-Semple later recalled.

When fellow attendees remarked on his striking resemblance to the African nationalist leader, the observation sparked an obsession. Bobb-Semple immersed himself in research, studying Garvey’s speeches, writings, and philosophy until he could channel the revolutionary’s voice and vision.

The result was “The Spirit of Marcus Garvey,” a one-character theatrical production that would define his career and earn him the UNIA Marcus Garvey Award of Jamaica.

His performances took him from community centers in Brooklyn to historically resonant locations across the African diaspora. In 1999, under the auspices of Black Diaspora Magazine of New York, he presented the show on Gorée Island in Dakar, Senegal—the infamous departure point for enslaved Africans.

The following year, he performed at Elmina Castle in Ghana, another site of profound historical trauma. These performances transformed tourist destinations into spaces of healing and remembrance.

From Stage to Screen and Broadcast Booth

While “The Spirit of Marcus Garvey” remained his signature work, Bobb-Semple’s talents extended across multiple mediums. His film credits included Spike Lee’s “See You Yesterday” and Tyler Perry’s “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor” (2013), alongside roles in “Truth” (2007), “Nursing Tuskegee,” “Mental Vengeance,” “Playing Both Sides,” “Deep Trouble,” “Lost Money,” and “Pressure.”

His theater résumé showcased remarkable range. He portrayed Zeinvel Shmeckel in “Shlemiel the First” in 1997 and appeared in Derek Walcott’s “Steel.” He tackled three plays by the legendary August Wilson: “Seven Guitars,” “Fences” alongside Avery Brooks, and “The Piano Lesson.” Additional stage credits included “My Children, My Africa” at the Wells Theatre in Virginia, “A Lesson From Aloes,” and “Bingo!”—a musical directed by Ossie Davis.

His performance in “Shango de Ima” in New York earned him the Audelco Award for Best Supporting Actor. He joined the world premiere cast of OyamO’s “Famous Orpheus,” a collaboration with Garth Fagan, whose choreography for “The Lion King” on Broadway won a Tony Award. At Stageworks Theatre in Florida, Bobb-Semple transitioned to directing, helming productions of “Superior Donuts,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” and “The Colored Museum.”

Broadcasting Caribbean Voices

Beyond the footlights, Bobb-Semple amplified Caribbean perspectives through broadcast media. As host and producer of “Caribbean Forum” on WNYE-TV in New York, he earned the 1995 Caribbean Media Association’s Award for “Best Television Production/Presentation.” He served as Caribbean news correspondent on the “Tony Brown Empowerment Show” on WWRL 1600AM and hosted Uhuru Radio. At the time of his death, he was producing a podcast, continuing his mission to elevate diaspora narratives.

He frequently served as emcee for community events, including the Guyana Day festival in Brooklyn, bringing his distinctive voice and presence to celebrations of Caribbean culture.

Education and Activism Through Art

As executive producer of Claudron Productions, Bobb-Semple launched “Don’t Ruin Your Life,” an anti-drug play targeting youth aged 12 to 18. The production was designed for presentation in schools and community venues throughout the New York City area, reflecting his commitment to using performance as a vehicle for social change.

His activism extended to humanitarian work. Bobb-Semple served as a member of the Guyanese Committee of Orphans International Worldwide, which convened between Brooklyn, Queens, and Roosevelt Island.

In this capacity, he facilitated the organization’s founder, Jim Luce, traveling to Guyana to meet with then-President Bharrat Jagdeo and former President Janet Jagan. Their discussions explored establishing an interracial, interfaith orphanage outside Georgetown, demonstrating Bobb-Semple’s dedication to practical solutions for vulnerable populations.

A Voice That Echoed Through History

For Black History Month 2001, Bobb-Semple lent his voice to Garvey in the award-winning PBS special film “Marcus Garvey: Look For Me In The Whirlwind.” At the inaugural African Heritage Trail Conference in Bermuda in 2002, he served as featured artist with his cultural and educational presentation on the Pan-African leader.

After graduating from Central High School in Guyana, Bobb-Semple received his foundational training at the Theatre Guild of Guyana Playhouse in Kingston, Georgetown. That early grounding in theatrical arts prepared him for a career that would span continents and generations, touching audiences from Tampa to Dakar.

A Legacy of Cultural Preservation

Friends and colleagues around the world mourned his passing, including Uncle Francis Quamina Farrier in Georgetown, Guyana, who remembered the performer’s dedication to preserving Caribbean cultural heritage through theatrical excellence.

Bobb-Semple is survived by his wife and children, along with numerous relatives and friends who witnessed his transformation from a Norton Street youth to an internationally recognized cultural ambassador. His four-decade commitment to embodying Marcus Garvey’s revolutionary spirit ensured that the Pan-African leader’s message of self-determination and racial pride reached new generations across the diaspora.

In theaters, on film sets, in broadcast studios, and on historically significant African soil, Ron Bobb-Semple fulfilled Garvey’s prophetic words: “Look for me in the whirlwind.” Through his artistry, he became that whirlwind—a force that kept revolutionary ideals alive in the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.

Celebrated Actor Ron Bobb-Semple Brings Garvey’s Spirit Home (Originally published Jan. 27, 2022; republished Oct. 27, 2025)

75-Word Summary

Guyanese-American actor Ron Bobb-Semple died from COVID-19 complications in Tampa, Florida, in 2022 at age 70. Best known for his four-decade one-man show portraying Marcus Garvey, he performed across three continents and earned the UNIA Marcus Garvey Award. His credits included Spike Lee’s See You Yesterday, Tyler Perry films, August Wilson plays, and hosting Caribbean Forum television. He directed theater productions and advocated for youth through anti-drug programming while serving Caribbean diaspora communities.

#RonBobbSemple #MarcusGarvey #CaribbeanTheater #GuyaneseAmerican #PanAfricanism
#BlackTheater #DiasporaVoices #TheatricalLegacy #CulturalPreservation #AudelcoAward

TAGS: actor, Guyana, Caribbean diaspora, Marcus Garvey, one-man show, Spike Lee, theater, broadcasting, WNYE-TV,
August Wilson, Audelco Award, Pan-Africanism, Georgetown, Tampa Florida, COVID-19, Theatre Guild of Guyana, PBS,
Orphans International Worldwide, Black History Month, African Heritage Trail, Caribbean Forum, cultural ambassador

Facebook Post:

The Caribbean diaspora lost a towering artistic voice when Ron Bobb-Semple passed away in 2022. For over 40 years, this Guyanese-American actor brought Marcus Garvey back to life on stages from Brooklyn to Ghana, earning the UNIA Marcus Garvey Award. Beyond his iconic one-man show, he appeared in Spike Lee films, directed theater productions, hosted Caribbean Forum on television, and advocated for youth education. His legacy reminds us that art preserves culture and keeps revolutionary voices alive across generations.

Instagram Post:

Ron Bobb-Semple spent four decades embodying Marcus Garvey on stages across three continents. The Guyanese-American actor performed at historic sites including Gorée Island in Senegal and Elmina Castle in Ghana, transforming spaces of historical trauma into places of healing. From Spike Lee films to August Wilson plays, from television hosting to directing theater, he dedicated his life to preserving Caribbean culture and amplifying diaspora voices. His passing in 2022 left a void in the artistic community, but his work ensures Garvey’s revolutionary spirit continues inspiring new generations.

LinkedIn Post:

The performing arts community lost a dedicated cultural ambassador when Ron Bobb-Semple died from COVID-19 complications in 2022. Over a 40-year career, the Guyanese-American actor, broadcaster, and director made singular contributions to Caribbean diaspora representation. His one-man show portraying Marcus Garvey earned international recognition and the UNIA Marcus Garvey Award. As host/producer of Caribbean Forum on WNYE-TV, he won the Caribbean Media Association’s Award for Best Television Production. He directed productions at Stageworks Theatre, appeared in films by Spike Lee and Tyler Perry, and performed in August Wilson plays. Through Claudron Productions, he created anti-drug programming for youth. His work with Orphans International Worldwide demonstrated commitment to humanitarian causes. Bobb-Semple’s career exemplifies how artists can bridge cultural preservation, education, and social activism.

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Ron Bobb-Semple embodied Marcus Garvey for 40+ years on stages from Brooklyn to Ghana, earning the UNIA Marcus Garvey Award. The Guyanese-American actor appeared in Spike Lee films, won an Audelco Award, hosted Caribbean Forum TV, and directed theater. He died from COVID-19 in 2022 at 70, leaving an extraordinary legacy of cultural preservation and diaspora storytelling.

BlueSky Post:

The Caribbean diaspora lost a remarkable artist when Ron Bobb-Semple passed in 2022. For over 40 years, this Guyanese-American performer brought Marcus Garvey to life on international stages, from Gorée Island to Elmina Castle. Beyond his award-winning one-man show, he acted in Spike Lee films, won an Audelco Award for theater, hosted Caribbean Forum television, and directed productions in Florida. His dedication to cultural preservation and youth education through art created a legacy that continues inspiring artists and activists across the diaspora.