Biography
Melvin Van Peebles (born Melvin Peebles; August 21, 1932 – September 21, 2021) was an American actor, filmmaker, writer, and composer. His feature film debut, The Story of a Three-Day Pass (1967), was based on his own French-language novel La Permission and was shot in France, as it was difficult for a black American director to get work at the time. The film won an award at the San Francisco International Film Festival which gained him the interest of Hollywood studios, leading to his American feature debut Watermelon Man, in 1970. Eschewing further overtures from Hollywood, he used the successes he had so far to bankroll his work as an independent filmmaker. In 1971, he released his best-known work, creating and starring in the film Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which led to the creation of the blaxploitation genre. although critic Roger Ebert did not consider this example of Van Peebles' work to be an exploitation film. He followed this up with the musical, Don't Play Us Cheap, based on his own stage play, and continued to make films, write novels and stage plays in English and in French through the next several decades; his final films include the French-language film Le Conte du ventre plein (2000) and the absurdist film Confessionsofa Ex-Doofus-ItchyFooted Mutha (2008). His son, filmmaker and actor Mario Van Peebles, appeared in several of his works and portrayed him in the 2003 biographical film Baadasssss!.
Acted in 36
2010s
- 2018
- 2013
- 2011
Redemption Road
Elmo
Infiltrating Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of the Spook Who Sat by the Door
Movie
2000s
- 2007
Blackout
George
- 2006
SMUT
Elmoore
- 2005
How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It)
Movie
- 2003
The Hebrew Hammer
Sweetback
- 2000
1990s
- 1999
Love Kills
Able
- 1997
- 1996
Calm at Sunset
Mr. Bucket
Gang in Blue
Andre Speier
- 1995
- 1994
Terminal Velocity
Noble
- 1993
- 1992
Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong (voice)
- 1991
- 1990
1980s
- 1989
Identity Crisis
The Inspector
- 1988
Sonny Spoon
TV
Taking Care of Terrific
Hawk
- 1987
O.C. and Stiggs
Wino Bob
- 1986
America
Man Interviewed
- 1981
The Sophisticated Gents
Walter 'Moon' Porter · 3 episodes
1970s
- 1971
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
Sweetback
- 1970
Watermelon Man
Sign Painter (uncredited)
1950s
- 1957
Sunlight
Movie
- 1951
Hallmark Hall of Fame
Bucket · 1 episode
Directed 16
2000s
- 2003
The Real Deal: What It Is
Director
- 2000
Bellyful
Director
1990s
- 1996
Gang in Blue
Director
Tales of Erotica
Director
- 1995
Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom
Director
- 1994
Erotic Tales
Director
1980s
- 1989
Identity Crisis
Director
976-STUD
Director
1970s
- 1973
- 1971
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
Director
- 1970
Watermelon Man
Director
1960s
- 1968
The Story of a Three-Day Pass
Director
- 1961
500 Francs
Director
1950s
- 1957
Sunlight
Director
Three Pick-Up Men for Herrick
Director
Wrote 16
2000s
- 2004
- 2000
Bellyful
Writer, Novel
1990s
- 1998
Classified X
Writer
- 1996
Tales of Erotica
Writer
- 1995
Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom
Writer
1980s
- 1984
- 1981
The Sophisticated Gents
Teleplay
1970s
- 1977
Greased Lightning
Screenplay, Writer
- 1976
Just an Old Sweet Song
Writer
- 1973
- 1971
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
Screenplay
1960s
- 1969
- 1968
The Story of a Three-Day Pass
Writer
- 1961
500 Francs
Writer
1950s
- 1957
Three Pick-Up Men for Herrick
Writer
Sound 7
2000s
- 2000
Bellyful
Original Music Composer
1990s
- 1995
Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom
Original Music Composer
1970s
- 1973
- 1971
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
Original Music Composer
- 1970
Watermelon Man
Original Music Composer
1960s
- 1968
The Story of a Three-Day Pass
Music
- 1961
500 Francs
Original Music Composer
Produced 6
2000s
- 2000
Bellyful
Executive Producer
1990s
- 1996
Gang in Blue
Producer
- 1995
Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom
Producer
1980s
- 1989
Identity Crisis
Producer
1970s
- 1971
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
Producer
Edited 4
1990s
- 1995
Vrooom Vrooom Vroooom
Editor
1980s
- 1989
Identity Crisis
Editor
1970s
- 1973
- 1971
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
Editor
Appearances18
2020s
- 2024
- 2022
Sweet Black Film: The Birth of the Black Hero in Hollywood
Self
- 2021
2010s
- 2012
Salty Dog Blues
Self (Interviewee)
- 2011
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
Self (voice)
2000s
- 2009
Directors on Directing
Self
The Black List: Volume Two
Self
- 2006
Midnight Blue, Vol. 3: Celebrities Edition
Self (archive footage)
- 2003
The Real Deal: What It Is
Self
- 2002
BaadAsssss Cinema
Self
- 2000
René Vautier, le rebelle
Self
1990s
- 1998
Classified X
Self
- 1993
Farewell, Babylon!
Self
1970s
- 1973
Wattstax
Self
1960s
- 1964
Pour le plaisir
Self · 1 episode
Seize millions de jeunes
Self · 1 episode