Willard E. Pugh

Willard Earl Pugh is an American actor whose career spans four decades and includes a remarkable mix of mainstream Hollywood productions, cult‑genre favorites, and memorable voice work. Born on June 16, 1959, in Memphis, Tennessee, he grew up as the son of Pearlie (née Harris) and Henry Minor Pugh and graduated from Hamilton High School before pursuing formal training in theatre at the University of South Dakota, where he earned a B.F.A. in Theatre & Drama in 1981, after also attending Memphis State University and the Webster College Conservatory. Pugh’s early break came in the early 1980s with roles such as a runaway slave in Divided We Fall (1982) and Foster in The Hills Have Eyes Part II (1984), quickly establishing him as a versatile character actor. His breakout supporting turn arrived in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed drama The Color Purple (1985), where he portrayed Harpo Johnson, a role that showcased his ability to blend humor and pathos. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s he appeared in high‑profile films including RoboCop 2 (1990) as Mayor Kuzak, Air Force One (1997) as a White House Communications Officer, and the cult action flick Mil Mascaras vs. the Aztec Mummy (2007) as Police Chief, a performance singled out by PopMatters critic Bill Gibron for its ensemble strength. In addition to on‑screen work, Pugh contributed his voice to one of the iconic California Raisins, and made a guest appearance on the cult classic The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!; his vocal talent added a distinctive texture to these projects. Beyond acting, he devoted eleven years in the early 1990s to teaching broadcasting and film at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, shaping a new generation of media professionals. Throughout his enduring career, Pugh has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft, balancing diverse roles across film, television, and voice work while also giving back through education, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.