Actor
Duane Jones
1936 – 1988
Full page on IMDbWho they are
- Born
- 2 February 1936, New York City, New York, USA
- Died
- 22 July 1988
- Known for
- Night of the Living Dead
, Ganja & Hess, Losing Ground
Duane Jones (1936–1988) was an American actor and theatre director, best known as Ben, the resourceful hero of George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead (1968). His casting of a Black lead in a horror film was groundbreaking. He also starred in Ganja & Hess and worked in arts education and theatre.
Where to start
Night of the Living Dead (1968)Full guide
His defining role as Ben, a landmark horror lead whose casting and fate gave the film lasting cultural weight.
Ganja & Hess (1973)Log in to add it to the library
Starred as Dr. Hess Green in Bill Gunn's acclaimed, experimental Black vampire film.
Losing Ground (1982)Log in to add it to the library
Appeared in Kathleen Collins's independent drama, an important work in Black American filmmaking.
Beat Street (1984)Log in to add it to the library
Supporting role in an early, influential hip-hop culture film.
Their films in the library
Awards
No major awards are documented here.
The full list · 16
- 1968Night of the Living DeadLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Ben
- 1973Ganja & HessLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Dr. Hess Green
- 1973Blood CoupleLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Dr. Hess Green
- 1982Losing GroundLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Duke
- 1984Beat StreetLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Robert
- 1986VampiresLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Dr. Charles Harmon
- 1987Creepy ClassicsLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Ben - (archive footage)
- 1988To Die ForLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Simon Little
- 1989Fright HouseLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Charles Harmon
- 1991Halloween Monster BashLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Ben (archive footage)
- 2000The American NightmareLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self
- 2009Autopsy of the DeadLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self (archival footage)
- 2018Synthwave Horror: Night Of The Living DeadLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Ben
- 2023Night of Horror in BrazilLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Ben (Archive footage)
- 2025Legacy of Screams: The Evolution of Horror MoviesLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Self (archive footage)
- 2026It’s a Wonderful Night of the Living DeadLog in to add it to the libraryActor as Ben
Filmography data from TMDB. The profile text is a draft written for Cinespective.