Ted Ross, 68; Actor Won Tony Award as Cowardly Lion in ‘The Wiz’

Ted Ross, 68, a television, movie and stage actor who won a Tony Award for his portrayal of the Cowardly Lion in the musical “The Wiz,” died Tuesday at a hospital in Dayton, Ohio.

Ross returned to Dayton several years ago and had been in failing health since suffering a stroke in 1998.

Ross won the Tony in 1975 for best supporting actor in a musical for his portrayal in “The Wiz.” He reprised the role in the 1978 film and its sequel.

Born in Zanesville, Ohio, Ross moved to Dayton with his family when he was 7. At the age of 18, he won $5 in an amateur night contest by singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

He was working as an emcee at a club in Dayton in the 1950s when he entered the Air Force. After his discharge he continued to pursue his show business career.

In films, he played the sensible chauffeur Bitterman to Dudley Moore’s character in “Arthur.” His movie career included parts in “Ragtime,” “Amityville II,” “Police Academy,” “Stealing Home” and “The Fisher King.”

Ross had the recurring role of Dean Harris on “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World.” He appeared in numerous TV shows, including “Benson,” “The Jeffersons” and “The Equalizer.”