Max Julien, who starred opposite Richard Pryor in the classic 1973 blaxploitation movie, “The Mack,” has died.
Julien passed away on Saturday on his birthday at his home in Los Angeles.
He was 88.
“During Julien’s decades-long career, he was known for being bold, honest and straightforward. He would live and speak his own truth both professionally and privately. He was thought of as a rare ‘man among men,” his public relations team said in a statement.
Julien’s close friend and filmmaker David F. Walker posted a tribute to his Instagram. “I met Max in 1996,” Walker wrote. “He was a great human being and we had so many amazing conversations. He was brilliant and hilarious and charismatic. R.I.P.”
His persona John “Goldie” Mickens, who he portrayed in “The Mack,” is considered his most influential work. Goldie was frequently sampled by Hip-Hop artists, including Snoop Dogg, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J.
Diddy and Too Short have credited Goldie as the inspiration for their public personas.
Julien also starred in “The Black Klansman,” “Psych-Out,” opposite Jack Nicholson, “Uptight,” 1997 comedy flick, “How to Be Player,” and more. Julien also wrote and co-produced the 1973 feature “Cleopatra Jones,” starring Tamara Dobson.
“My dear friend and incredibly talented actor writer and spirit guide has left his body. He was one of the most beloved people by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife annabella. rip big bro you will be missed ans im sure God will receive you with open arms,” producer Russell Simmons wrote on social media.
