Actor. At the height of six feet, six inches with a booming voice to match his physique, he displayed a larger-than-life image in motion pictures, as well as on the stage and in television. One of four children, he was born in Trinidad to parents whom immigrated from Barbados. He initially performed at the age of seven with a dance troupe run by his brother and after receiving his education at Queen's Royal College, he became director of the dance troupe, when his brother moved to London. In an attempt to begin a dancing career in the United States, Holder moved to New York City and earned a living as a dancing teacher. He was spotted by Broadway producer Arnold Saint Subber and was cast as "The Champion" in the production of "House of Flowers" (1954 to 1955). In addition, Holder contributed choreographed segments to the musical. Twenty-years later, he made a lasting impression on the stage, as he directed the original run of the hit Broadway production "The Wiz" (1975 to 1979) and earned two Tony Awards for "Best Director" and "Best Costume Design" (1975). In 1957, he marked his American television debut in an episode from the series "The United States Steel Hour" and would go on to appear in the films "Doctor Dolittle" (1967, as "William Shakespeare X"), as the villainous "Baron Samedi" in the 'James Bond' picture "Live and Let Die" (1973) and as "Punjab" in "Annie" (1982). He provided narration work for the film "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (2005). To television audiences, Holder may be best remembered for a series of commercials for the product '7 Up' during the 1970s and 1980s in which he provided his trademark hearty laugh. In addition to performing, Holder was a highly-talented painter and composer.