By Juan Markos
Los Angeles, CA, (The Hollywood Times) 07/05/2026
Robert Hooks, born in Washington, DC, in 1937, is a distinguished actor, producer, and activist known for his significant contributions to the performing arts. He has played a crucial role in paving the way for many Black actors and has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous artists. Alongside Douglas Turner Ward and Gerald S. Krone, he co-founded The Negro Ensemble Company, which is recognized for its impact on the careers of many Black artists across various disciplines.
In addition to his work with The Negro Ensemble Company, Robert Hooks is the sole founder of two notable Black theater companies: The DC Black Repertory Company and New York’s Group Theater Workshop. With a career spanning over sixty years, Hooks has established himself as a prominent figure in American theater.
Monday, June 29, 2026, at the 31st Annual NAACP Theater Awards, Hooks received the prestigious Legendary Theatre Award. The award was presented by actor Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, along with entertainment icons Glynn Turman and Richard Lawson, to celebrate Hooks’ extraordinary career and his lifelong dedication to Black theatre.
The event featured a personal touch as Lawrence Hilton Jacobs gifted Robert Hooks an original hand-drawn portrait created specifically in his honor. The artwork acknowledges Hooks’ remarkable life and career by showcasing various iconic stage and screen credits, along with the names of his children, making it a heartfelt tribute from a lifelong friend.
“I was so honored to celebrate my great friend of 50 years, Robert Hooks, and his incredible life and legacy in show business. We spoke yesterday, and he told me how touched he was by the portrait I drew of him. That meant the world to me because I was just as touched creating something that honored a man I deeply admire, respect, and have been blessed to call my friend for five decades.”
— Lawrence Hilton Jacobs
“Lawrence Hilton Jacobs’ participation in this special tribute speaks to the deep respect he has for the pioneers who paved the way. Watching him honor one of his closest friends of five decades alongside fellow legends made for an incredibly meaningful moment. The portrait Lawrence created wasn’t simply artwork—it was a visual celebration of Robert Hooks’ extraordinary legacy and impact on Black theatre and entertainment. Celebrating living legends while they can receive their flowers is something our industry should never take for granted, and this evening beautifully reflected that sentiment.”
— Desirae L. Benson
Publicist
Robert Hooks is widely regarded as a pioneering force in American theater. His efforts have created opportunities for Black artists to perform and thrive, leaving a lasting impact on generations of Black creators for years to come.
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