Turk Turpin(1933-1988)

Turk Turpin was born Ernest Lee Turpin on August 17, 1933 in Long Branch, New Jersey. Following graduation from Long Branch High School, Turpin went on to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and served in the Marine Corps. Moreover, Turk not only was a stand-in for Harry Belafonte for the movie The Angel Levine (1970), but also had acting roles in a handful of hardcore pictures and several mainstream films made in the 1970's. Turpin eventually moved to Puerto Rico, where he performed as a singer at the Sands Hotel in San Juan. Turk died at age 54 from a massive heart attack in March, 1988. He was survived by his wife Maria, sons Keith and David, daughters Ines and Maesha, sisters Edna, Geraldine, and Gwendolyn, brothers Harold and Joseph, and a granddaughter.