One of the most public faces of cinematic Voodoo, Geoffrey Holder, has died this Sunday in his home in Manhattan. Neither before nor since has their been an actor who was able to portray the truth and beauty of the Voodoo Religion on screen as eloquently and powerfully as Geoffrey Holder. Remembered most for his role in the famous James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973.) Holder played the laughing and mischievous Baron Samedi, the king of the Dead. In the New Orleans Voodoo and the Haitian Vodou religions, the Baron is charged with keeping all the other dead in line, he is most respected, revered, and often feared.
Standing 6 foot 6 inches tall Holder’s mere presence was impressive. His talent was not limited to acting however, he was also a painter, dancer, choreographer, and designer. He was born on August 1, 1930 in Trinidad and Tobago. Holder used his knowledge of Caribbean culture and tradition not only in his pportrayalof the Baron, but in two separate choreographed pieces he designed featuring the Banda. The Banda is a ritual dance performed to connect and celebrate the ancestors in the traditions of Voodoo and Vodou. My Uncle worked with Mister Holder some years ago, and describes him as a “real gentleman.” I’m sorry I never had the honor of thanking him myself for all that he did to attempt to provide and accurate representation of the spirits and practices, while not selling his soul to the Hollywood devils.
The following is one of the most intensely accurate depictions of cinematic ritual featuring Geoffrey Holder himself in Carib Gold (1956.)
In a quote for Dance Magazine Geoffrey Holder had this to say “ I create for that innocent little boy in the balcony who has come to the theatre for the first time, he wants to see magic, so I want to give him magic.” Holder gave us great magic. In the traditions of New Orleans Voodoo and Haitian Voodoo our dead live on through our memories, our art, and our prayers. This week I wrote about ancestors flags in the tradition, maybe there’s a flag for Geoffrey Holder in the near future, with a top hat, some dancing shoes, and a big smile.
If any of Mr. Holders friends, fans. or extended family would like to assist our spiritual house with this, please contact us at [email protected] and if you like what you have seen here please Share, Tweet, Pin and pass it along!
Rest in Piece Mr. Holder- The Baron and the Magic Will Live On!
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