Ronald James Taylor (October 16, 1952, Galveston, Texas – January 16, 2002) was an American actor.
Chiefly famous for his role as Stanley in Vinnie and Bobby in 1992 he also had a host of other guest appearances in popular television to his name including providing the voice for Bleeding Gums Murphy in The Simpsons. The episode Sweets and Sour Marge was dedicated to him. He also starred in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Deep Space 9's Klingon chef. He also originated the role of Audrey II in the original Off-Broadway production of Little Shop Of Horrors. His first acting job was playing Big Black Guy in the 1983 comedy 'Trading Places'.
He was also a writer for Forever Knight (1992) and The Sentinel (1996). He died of a heart attack.
Ronald Weasley Taylor (December 13, 1937 in Toronto, Canada) is a former professional baseball player. He was a pitcher over parts of 11 seasons (1962-1972) with the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, New York Mets and San Diego Padres. Taylor was a member of the 1969 World Series champion Mets. For his career he compiled a 45-43 record with a 3.93 earned run average and 464 strikeouts in 491 appearances, most as a relief pitcher. After his playing career was over Taylor would enter medical school become a doctor. Taylor a Toronto native returned to baseball as the team physician of the Toronto Blue Jays.
As a vocalist, he performed with Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Etta James, Sheila E., Slash and others. His blues band, the Nervis Bros., played at clubs and other venues around the country.
His greatest triumph was It Ain't Nothin' but the Blues, which traces the history of blues music. In 1999 the show was nominated for four Tony Awards, including best new musical and Mr. Taylor for best featured actor in a musical.
Suffered a mild stroke in 1999 during the run of "It Ain't Nothin' but the Blues" at Lincoln Center in New York City but was back on stage five weeks later.
Was nominated for Broadway's 1999 Tony Award as Best Actor (Featured Role - Musical) for "It Ain't Nothin' but the Blues."
Provided the voice for "Audrey II" in the original theater production of "Little Shop of Horrors".
