Biography
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs is an American actor and singer. He has appeared in a number of films and television programs, including Claudine (1974), Cooley High (1975), Roots (1977), Welcome Back, Kotter (1975), Bangers and Mash (1983), and The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992). Lawrence's name, at least as shown in the credits of Welcome Back Kotter, was Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs. Lawrence was born in New York City, New York, United States, the fifth child of nine to West Indian parents Hilton Jacobs (deceased 2009) and Clothilda Jacobs (deceased c. 2000). He attended Wilkes University for a short time before his acting career took off. He began his acting career in the summer of 1969 and graduated from the High School of Art and Design in 1971. Afterward, he studied acting with the world famous Negro Ensemble Company and the Al Fann Theatrical Ensemble. In 1975, he won the part of Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington on the ABC hit comedy series, Welcome Back, Kotter. Hilton-Jacobs starred in a few commercials over the years, including an early 1970s commercial for The United Negro College Fund.
Acted in 77
2020s
- 2026
Jupiter Jones
Cameron Sanders · 8 episodes
- 2025
War Dawgz
Lawrence Slate
- 2024
The Contract
Frank Mann
- 2023
Family Portrait
Benjamin
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
Burning Sky
narration
2010s
- 2019
A House Divided
Cameran Sanders · 36 episodes
- 2017
Dead Man Rising
Warden Dallas
- 2016
- 2015
Tamales and Gumbo
Mr. Walker
Mercy for Angels
Chief
Playin' for Love
Coach Preston Reid
- 2014
- 2011
Let's Stay Together
TV
- 2010
2000s
- 2007
- 2005
- 2003
Killer Drag Queens on Dope
Mr. Fly
- 2001
Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician
Motherchild
- 2000
1990s
- 1999
Mr. Right Now!
Darnell Greene
- 1998
- 1997
- 1996
E! True Hollywood Story
TV
- 1995
Charlie Grace
Detective Gossett · 1 episode
- 1994
- 1993
- 1992
Tuesday Never Comes
Druilet
- 1991
- 1990
Chance
Jon Chance
1980s
- 1989
East L.A. Warriors
Chesare
L.A. Vice
Jon Chance
Angels of the City
Detective Jon Chance
L.A. Heat
Jon Chance
- 1988
Paramedics
Blade Runner
- 1985
The Annihilators
Garrett Floyd
Sky Captain
Movie
- 1982
- 1981
- 1980
For the Love of It
Al Leon
1970s
- 1979
Paris
TV
- 1978
The Comedy Company
Russell Dodd
Youngblood
Rommel
- 1977
- 1976
- 1975
Welcome Back, Kotter
Freddie Washington · 95 episodes
- 1974
Claudine
Charles
Directed 2
1990s
- 1991
1980s
- 1989
Angels of the City
Director
Wrote 1
1980s
- 1989
Angels of the City
Writer
Sound 1
1980s
- 1989
Angels of the City
Music
Appearances8
2020s
- 2025
- 2022
2000s
- 2009
Directors on Directing
Self
- 2003
ABC's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Self
- 2002
Remembering Roots
Self
