Larry "Flash" Jenkins

Larry "Flash" Jenkins
Born(1955-05-10)May 10, 1955
Long Island, New York, U.S.[1]
DiedApril 25, 2019(2019-04-25) (aged 63)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other namesFlash
EducationOlive–Harvey College
Alma materSouthern Illinois University
Pepperdine University
Occupation(s)Actor, film director, producer, screenwriter
Years active1978–2019
Spouse(s)Michele (1984–1996)
Jean Coleman (1997–2019)
Children1

Larry "Flash" Jenkins (May 10, 1955 – April 25, 2019)[2] was an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter.

Early life, family and education

Jenkins was born on Long Island, New York.[1] He graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago, Illinois, where he was on the baseball and bowling teams.[3] He attended Olive–Harvey College for a year, then Southern Illinois University for a year, then Pepperdine University in California (so he could pursue an acting career), making Dean's List at all schools.[3]

Career

Acting

Jenkins starred in the television series The White Shadow as Wardell Stone,[4][5][3] Bay City Blues[4] and Finder of Lost Loves.

Jenkins was also known for his performances in minor but memorable roles in such films as Ferris Bueller's Day Off[6] and Fletch as the junkie and informant Gummy.[2][3]

Production

Jenkins founded his own production companies in October 2005, Flashworks Productions and Gold Coast Productions LLC, in Los Angeles, California.

Jenkins wrote, produced, directed and starred in the comedy film Marriage Vows (out December 2013), the gospel musical film Don't Touch, If You Ain't Prayed (2014 release) and gospel/romantic comedy House of Grace. He wrote and produced the gospel musical film Pastor Jones and produced the hip hop comedy film Ms. B's Hair Salon. All executive produced by Kenneth Halsband, who served as executive in charge of production for The Fighter and Limitless, starring Robert De Niro. Currently released on DVD/video is Brothers in Arms for Screen Gems, on which Larry served as a co-producer as well as co-starred, and Go For Broke II, which Larry starred opposite Glenn Plummer. He served as executive producer for the hit DVD film When Thugs Cry. Larry also produced and wrote the first draft for the Black Christ Film titled Color of the Cross.

Personal life

From 1984 to 1996, Larry was married to Michele Jenkins. He married Jean Coleman Jenkins in 1997. They resided in the Hancock Park section of Los Angeles, California. He had a son, Jeffrey.[1]

Jenkins was a part of the worship group of West Angeles Church of God in Los Angeles. He had worked with Bishop Charles Edward Blake Sr. and participated in many church activities, including church basketball team games.

Jenkins died on April 25, 2019, of a heart attack in Los Angeles, California, at age 63.[1]

Selected filmography

Actor

Director

Producer

  • From Lara with Love (2000)
  • Brothers in Arms (2005)
  • Color of the Cross (2006)
  • Sorority Sister Slaughter (2007)
  • Marriage Vows (2013)

Writer

References

  1. ^ a b c d Beresford, Trilby (April 26, 2019). "Larry Jenkins, 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and 'Edtv' Actor, Dies at 63". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  2. ^ a b "'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' Actor Larry 'Flash' Jenkins Dead at 63". TheBlast.com. 26 April 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d Jenkins, Larry (March 10, 2010). "LARRY FLASH JENKINS ("THE WHITE SHADOW")". cultfilmfreaks.com (Interview). Interviewed by James M. Tate. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  4. ^ a b "'White Shadow' Co-Stars Still Hooking Big Roles On Major Network Shows". Jet: 58. November 28, 1983.
  5. ^ "Blacks On TV". Jet: 54. November 27, 1980.
  6. ^ Winchester, Ashley (May 3, 2016). "In Chicago, a 'Ferris Bueller' Fete". The New York Times.