March 9, 2004
Paul Winfield
Paul Edward Winfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor, died on March 7 from a heart attack. He was 62.
As a teen, Winfield was bused from his Watts home to the predominately white Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles. Encouraged by his drama teacher to become a thespian, Winfield was named best actor two years in a row by the Southern California Speech and Drama Teachers Association. He earned a scholarship to Yale University, but turned it down to attend the University of Oregon. After transferring to several West Coast schools, he dropped out of UCLA to delve into professional acting.
Winfield did a guest appearance on "Room 222" and landed his first regular TV job acting opposite Diahann Carroll in the comedy "Julia." A year later, Sidney Poitier gave him his first movie role in "The Lost Man." He catapulted to fame in 1972 when he earned a best actor Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Nathan Lee Morgan in the film, "Sounder."
Winfield soon developed a reputation for fearless dramatic versatility. Cast mainly in character roles, he spent more than 30 years working in film, television and on stage. Some of his most memorable appearances include "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," "Presumed Innocent," "Terminator" and opposite Denzel Washington in the play "Checkmates." He also narrated the A&E crime series, "City Confidential," and voiced the character of Sam Young in the cartoon "Batman Beyond."
Winfield earned a best actor Emmy nomination in 1978 as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the miniseries "King." After playing a college chancellor in the TV movie, "Roots: The Next Generation," he received a best supporting actor Emmy nomination. He finally won an Emmy in 1995 for playing a federal judge who rules on a school busing case on the show "Picket Fences."
I loved him in Star Trek II...good presence, great voice.
Posted by David on March 10, 2004 4:18 AMPaul Winfield's death made me very sad. Although I loved him as an actor (I first saw him in Pat Conroy's "Conrak" starring Jon Voight), I will most remember him as the voice of "City Confidential" on A&E. One of the main reasons I enjoyed the show so much was because of his soothing yet expressive voice. He will be sorely missed.
Posted by Lainey on March 15, 2004 12:43 PMI've seen Mr. Winfield in every genre of work he
has ever done. I think he was a great actor. I
loved him and Cicely Tyson together. He was great
as Dr. Martin Luther King in the 1978 three part
movie. He lived a quiet life. His voice was so
melodious and soothing. I will never forge him.
All fans three cheers for my friend, a toast for my friend. May we always remember him in our hearts. I love you Paul winfield
Annette Richard: your #1 Fan
Posted by Annette Richard on March 16, 2004 9:40 AMThis is the first I've heard of Paul Winfield's passing and boy, does it hurt!! The acting world has lost a great personality in Mr. Winfield. I can almost remember his roll in Room 222 but his portrayal of Dr. King was truly his greatest work. I will certainly miss him!!
Posted by Jackie on March 18, 2004 10:00 AMOf course the sci-fi fans have a long-running gag about "the many genre deaths of Paul Winfield" (zapped self with phaser in the second "Star Trek," shot by Schwarzenegger in the first "Terminator," zapped by phaser again in "Mars Attacks"), but for me my fondest memory was getting to see Mr. Winfield as Falstaff in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" in D.C. some years ago. It was an outdoor venue, and was actually my very first tantalizing taste of the Rennie life.
Rest in peace, Mr. Winfield. Thanks epecially for "Roots: The Next Generations" --my parents let me stay up late to see that one. Beautiful work.
Posted by Peter on March 19, 2004 12:25 PM
That voice on City Confidential
held me spellbound. The absence
of Paul Winfield is truly heart-felt.
The first time I was aware of Paul Winfield as an actor was his role in the movie "Sounder" in 1972 when I was 13 years of age. The performances he and Cicely Tyson did had left such an impact on me that I've followed their acting careers ever since. I will miss Paul Winfield deeply as he was one of the many black performers who made a difference towards the cause of civil rights. Farewell.
Posted by James Tolson on March 29, 2004 2:19 PMI turned on City Confidential this evening and noticed a different narrator. I always wondered who had that wonderful voice and had to find out why it was not there. I was sad to find out Paul Winfield had died. I always loved hearing him tell the stories on City Confidential. It's not the same.
Posted by K. McMinn on June 12, 2004 7:22 PMI too tuned into City Confidential waiting to hear the narration from Mr. Winfield. Then I remembered
a rumor of his death. Decided to check it out on the internet. They say " The show must go on.
But it will not be the same without his voice. As much as this show has a great format, and professional
presentation, without Paul Winfields' voice, " I am afraid it will lose it favor."
I did not know Paul Winfield had passed,I was looking at city confidential on the internet and found out they had changed the host,and I said are these people crazy this man is the show. Then I looked up his name on the internet and found out he had passed I will miss him. He would brighten my day. I hope the new host is real good.
Posted by Don on June 26, 2004 12:21 PMWhat a shock to find out thid way. I have longed to meet Paul Winfield for many years. The first time my dad told me about him I was 6 years old. My father, (Willie Winfield-desease)was very proud of Paul and never missed a film, or movie. I moved to North Carolina thinking that one day I would get to see him. He just past in March, a few days before my sister's birthday, how come it wasn't all over the news like everything else? I loved him so much, he looked a lot like my father.
I would appreciate an e-mail from someone or pass my comdolences to the family. I am devistated.
Paul Winfield was a great actor with unique voice that melted the hearts of women all over the world. I'd watch city confidential every week just hear his voice. Paul will be missed by all who loved him. My heart goes out to his family , and your in my prayers.
Remember The Lord Loves
You and So do I.
God Bless You
Nedra hargrave & family.
I, like alot of other people, starting watching City Confidential because of Paul Winfield's mesmerizing voice. I just yesterday told my husband I LOVE his voice it is like no other!!! I just read an old Entertainment Weekly and found out he died. I am so upset. I also feel this world continues to demonstrate it's racism... how so, by acting in the manner that his death was not even newsworthy. No one I called saw any announcement on the nightly news and that is a darn outright SHAME! This man was a well known distinguished, respected actor and narrarator that will soreley be missed by alot more people than the media must believe. City Confidential will not be the same without his voice, and I doubt if I will still be interested in watching. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Posted by S. Haze on September 16, 2004 6:25 PMI was not aware that Paul had died.
Everytime I would hear the new voice, I would think, "However was responsible for taking him off, must be the dumbest guy in the world". I hope they play his repeats forever.
The first time that I saw Mr. Paul Winfield was when I viewed the movie "Sounder" many years ago. He portrayed the husband/father with great passion. I was so pleased to hear his excellent narration of the City Confidential stories every week. I miss him very much.
Posted by Evelyn Lewis on December 17, 2004 7:29 AMSuch a talented actor with a great voice. I loved his narration on A&E.
I was shocked to learn of his death just yesterday. Rest In Peace Paul Winfield.
Posted by Charlotte on January 12, 2005 10:01 AMSurfed in, after seeing an episode of Star Trek : the next generation. Paul Winfield was on this episode as a leader of a race that the crew encounters "tarmack at garrad"
Then I realized..is this the Paul Winfield I was familiar with from City Confidential? I too had a burning question of why he was no longer narrating City Confidential. My room mate even argued that he was still doing it! LOL, but his voice is unmistakable, Drunkenly Soothing as I refer to it, and in no means a disrespect. I have read and learned much more about the man, and I am saddened by his passing.
All the best to his friends and family who know they have lost a very unique soul.
Paul Winfield was a man of great accomplishments. I recently watched him in "King" with Cicely Tyson, and it just reconfirms my belief in his extraordinary talent. He will be genuinely missed and the African-American community has lost a great genius of the screen. Rest in Peace, Mr. Winfield and you are now hanging with the real Dr. King. Say "hello" for me.
I love City Confidential and noticed the narrator was different...similar...but it just wasn't the same... I decided to investigate and I'm so so sad to hear of Paul Winfield's death...Man could he give a good narration... He was so witty...and I loved his funny comments he would add to such sinister acts..He really kept one glued to the TV with what was to come next....RIP
Posted by Kimber on February 3, 2005 10:43 AMI first became aware of Paul Winfield in a movie called Green Eyes. I as so many people have enjoyed his captivating voice. I also enjoyed him as the narator of City Confidential. I was not aware of his death until tonight on the Academy Awards. I will miss him.
Posted by Cal Bambi on February 27, 2005 8:07 PMPaul Winfield is synonomous with City Confidential. When I first heard someone else's voice narrate CC, and despite how pleasant this new narrator is, it just wasn't or will ever be the same. The ambience he created with his unique voice and witty charm can never be duplicated. I won't ever be able to watch a new episode of CC without silently saying a prayer for his family and for him, this, remarkable, fascinating man, Paul Winfield. He will be sorely missed, even by those who had never met him, but who also will never forget him.
Posted by Kathleen McLaughlin on March 14, 2005 4:47 AMI knew Paul and his love for his pugs for which he had many.
Posted by Bud on March 15, 2005 1:18 PMI am also saddened by the death of this great talent, and I am so disappointed with his "City Confidential" replacement. I know he's really a hard act to follow.
Posted by Rebecca on April 8, 2005 2:24 AMWith his unique talent, a Master of his Craft,
Mr. Paul Winfield will always be with us.
I've watched City Confidential forever. I have always said, "This guy, Paul Winfield, is a great narrator". His voice, so soothing and mesmerizing made me pay attention to the story that was being told.
Today I decided to look on the internet to look for info on Paul Winfield.
I was shocked and truly saddened to discover that he has passed away. No person, nor voice can replace him as City Confidential's narrator!
Posted by S on May 23, 2005 10:48 PMI too was saddened when Paul Winfield passed. I enjoyed him playing the part of Sam, an angel on the show "Touched By An Angel." I believe he is now one of God's beautiful angels in heaven. He truly was a great narrator for the show "City Confidential", but life goes on, so we must give the new host of "City Confidential" a chance.
Posted by Brenda on July 2, 2005 7:43 PMFor so long I've wondered who belonged to that City Confidential's mesmerizing, captivating voice, never realizing he was the same Paul Winfield we've all seen in movies. I plan on watching CC reruns forever in order to hear that beautiful voice that hooks you and won't let you go.
Posted by Nancy on July 9, 2005 11:19 PMIt is a very sad loss. His narration on A & E City Confidential was awesome! He had such an amazing voive for television. He kept me drawn to the show with that soft spoken yet strong voice. It really suited him well. He was also a great actor. He will be sorely missed.
Posted by Sharon on July 27, 2005 12:25 PMI am still in shock after more than a year. I still run home at lunch to catch City Confidential. And even now, I am still shocked to realize these are just repeats. I could see the CC episodes over and over and over again. What great storytelling!
Posted by kem on July 28, 2005 8:20 PMI also was very swept away by his voice and saddened by news of his death. However, I still tune in and have since grown to appreciate the new narrator. Mr. Winfield laid the ground work and has left a great path for future narrators.
Posted by Pam Cooper on August 15, 2005 5:10 AMa special thanks to greatest narrator ever created. you will be missed but never forgotten. paul winfield was the man that makes city confidential such a great show to this day. soothing but interesting voice is what makes me want to watch that awesome show time and time again. t scott
Posted by tj scott on October 18, 2005 7:24 PMI, knew Mr. Winfield for thirteen years of my life. I grew up going to work with my mom to his house and I remember his voice and the way he lived his life. He loved his pugs which i got to take care when i was there. I loved his home and how they decorated it this once christmas. It was beautiful. I loved the dinners he made and how he would take care of every detail. How he cared for my mom. She worked for him for about 18 years. He loved everything about life and his family. He was someone so caring and yes with a great voice. Though, i still remember seeing him in the living room reading his scripts. Once in a while i would go over and read them too because like any other girl i was facinated to know an actor, especially like Mr. Winfield. The last time i saw him, he still was going on and strong just days after being in the hospital. I visit him with my mom. She misses him alot. We were so sad that he past away and we all greatly miss him. I still think of him and how he made a difference in my life. I thank him and his family for being so nice to us through all these years. My condolences go out to all of you.....
Posted by Veronica on November 8, 2005 12:06 PMPaul Winfield's voice on City Confidential made you feel like part of the story. Losing this great man's voice is synonimous with losing Dale Earnhardt from Nascar. The show will go on with someone else, but it will never be the same.
Posted by Terri on May 6, 2006 9:15 PMPaul Winfield had a beautiful voice. I have watched City Confidential and loved hearing his soothing, smooth voice. I will really miss that wonderful sound and I doubt if he can be replaced. My prayers go out to his entire family. I will miss you Paul.
Posted by e.langfield on June 13, 2006 1:08 PMI guess I am old fashon as I enjoy listening to old radio shows and a few documentary before going to sleep after a long hectic day.............Like people before me have stated, City Confidential was so well done and his voice almost like a tonic. Mr. Winfields voice and description was a relaxing & soothing experience....I know Keith David does a great job but it's like a very good trumpet player trying to replace Louis Armstrong....It can't be done.....I have most of Mr. Winfields City Confidential's recorded and still enjoy closing my eyes and letting my mind follow his descriptions on the town, people and event.....I wish I could state it in a better way, but he was "truly the best" and will be missed but never forgotten.......... Rest in Peace Mr. Winfield.
Posted by Douglas on June 15, 2006 3:36 AMI have always loved watching City Confidential. I had a bet that the speaker was a ' Black man' but never had a picture to prove it. I finally found one today September 18, 2006. Imagine my shock to see that he had passed on.
May you charm the angels with that that well modulated voice.
Charmaine from Jamaica
Posted by Charmaine Holes on September 19, 2006 7:01 PMI have just discovered the death oif paul his voice has kepm me watching city confidential he do have a way of bringing you right in the story with him as it goes he will be sadely missed in my living room and im sure im speaking for a alt of people even though im very late finding out this sad news. God Bless you.
Posted by Lillian on October 28, 2006 7:11 PMI don't enjoy city confidential anymore.
Posted by steve on January 23, 2007 7:47 PMI miss this guy...He has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. A great actor and from what has been said.. a great person as well.
Posted by Tim Murray on March 9, 2007 9:20 AMI love listening to stories being read/told. Mr. Winfield's voice had a rare quality that leant itself beautifully to story telling. Honestly, I believe I watched/listened to City Confidential for his voice more than the story content over the years. I would've loved listening to him narrate anything just to hear his rich & soothing voice. I learned he was the narrator on City Confidential quite by accident one day. I was watching an episode of Crossing Jordon that Mr. Winfield happened to be cast in. "That Voice!" I said to myself. "He's the Voice on City Confidential!". While he played the roll quite well, of course, I was distracted by the fact that I'd finally been able to put a face with the voice I'd enjoyed for so many years. What a sad realization to learn he had passed. Mr. Winfield was a gifted actor and a positive roll model for the gay community (his life partner of 30 years whom he is buried with having passed 2 years before him). I miss him terribly - especially his wonderful voice. I wish I'd known more about him while he was with us.
Rest in Peace alongside your soulmate, Mr. Winfield. Thank you for the years and for sharing your gifts and talent with us.
Posted by Joan in CA on June 28, 2007 8:00 PMI also - as those who have written before me, have truly missed "that voice" on City Confidential. What a mesmerizing and melodic voice, and the way he had of telling a story. For some time after first seeing an episode of the show, I was unsure of who it was, I was only suspicious. I found myself watching the show quite often just to hear the man speak. When my husband told me he had heard that Mr. Winfield had passed I was very shocked and saddened not only for his loved ones but for myself that I would lose his story-telling abilities forever.
Posted by Cheryl Kreger on August 4, 2007 5:11 PMI noticed the new voice on City Confidential and looked at the date of the program just summer of 2007. I went to my computer and got his information. Was just shocked and so saddened he had passed away. He could speak and God would be in awe of him, I believe. I know his voice was so
incredibly beautiful and his manner was incredible. I miss him terribly. God Bless you, Mr. Winfield.
Diana
I also did not know Paul died,thats very sad,I love his voice on city confidential,he made the show with that wonderful voice of his,May he rest in peace,and God Bless you for touching our lives.
Posted by Clarence on May 22, 2008 1:33 PMThis info. makes me very sad. Mr.Winfields voice, helped me thru chemo.No one has a voice like him. he will be missed. Heaven is hearing the wonderful stories now, we will all miss you. Joy
Posted by joywendt on May 24, 2008 12:12 AMI was upset when I heard that PAUL WINFIELD had pasted on. He was like a father to me. I never knew him. But I wish I did . I am so sorry.
Posted by teia on July 8, 2008 11:33 AMI too wondered where that beautiful soothing voice from city confidential went. It's four years after his death, and I'm just now stumbling upon it. That is troubling. I was actually looking for audiobooks online, and after listening to a few samples I thought, you know I could really get into this if Paul Winfield was narrating. So I looked him up and discovered this. Truly devastating.
Posted by Katrina from Florida on August 1, 2008 11:05 AMI always called CC a combo murder mystery/travelogue.
I loved Paul's narrations; seasoned with just the right amount of irony, cynicism, and sarcasm that makes the show real.
He is missed.