Trivia

His role as a neurosurgeon on the television series Peyton Place (1964) broke ground because he was cast as an authority figure when relatively few black actors were given such roles.

Narrated the theatrical trailers for Jaws (1975), Jaws 2 (1978) and Jaws 3-D (1983).

A couple of months before his death, Percy participated in "The Shark is Still Working", a new documentary on the tremendous cultural impact Jaws had on society. He recorded the voiceover for the new documentary's trailer as he had done on the movie Jaws (1975).

He was usually credited as "Percy Rodriguez" on account of a common misspelling.

Was an avid golfer, card player and jazz and blues enthusiast.

Solid, articulate, imposing African-Canadian actor who managed to avoid most of the standard stereotypes in Hollywood, usually playing white-collar roles such as a neurosurgeon on Peyton Place (1964).

He was seen as a symbol of intelligence, leadership and moral strength during his various roles in the 1960s and 1970s. He is also well-known for helping to break the racial barriers on television.

Was only six years older than Cicely Tyson, who played his daughter in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968).

Had two children from his first marriage: Hollis Rodrigues and Gerald Rodrigues.

His surname used the Portuguese spelling (ending with an "S") rather than the Spanish spelling (ending with a "Z"). As the Spanish spelling is more commonly known in North America, his name was frequently misspelled.

Universal Pictures was so impressed with his narration on the trailer for the original Jaws that they signed Rodrigues to an exclusive multi-year contract, giving them first claim to his voice talent for several years.