Elliot Street, a proud native of Meridian, Mississippi, and a versatile talent who graced both the screen and stage, has passed away at the age of 80. News of elliot street’s death on Thursday night was shared on the Facebook page of Merrystreet Players, a Meridian-based theatrical group where Street was an active member. The post celebrated him as “an inspiration to so many” and acknowledged his multifaceted roles as “an actor, writer, director, artist, advocate, visionary, mentor, and friend.”
Born on December 30, 1943, elliot street established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His acting career spanned several decades, commencing in the late 1960s and extending into the early 1980s with memorable guest roles in iconic television series. Audiences across America would have recognized elliot street from appearances in shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” the beloved “Mayberry RFD,” the action-packed “Hawaii Five-O,” and the popular “CHiPs.” His range and ability to embody diverse characters were further showcased in appearances on “Barnaby Jones,” “The Rockford Files,” “Eight is Enough,” “Ironside,” “Love, American Style,” and “Hunter.” Street also took part in significant television mini-series, including “The Winds of War” and “Chiefs,” and contributed his talent to TV movies such as “Resting Place,” “Unconquered,” and “The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang.”
Even after returning to his roots in Meridian, elliot street remained actively involved in the film industry, demonstrating his enduring passion for acting. He secured roles in notable Hollywood productions, acting alongside some of the biggest names in cinema. In 1984, he appeared in “The Bear” with Gary Busey, followed by a role in the acclaimed “The Legend of Bagger Vance” (2000) starring Will Smith and Matt Damon. Street continued to impress in “Runaway Jury” (2003) with a stellar cast including John Cusack, Gene Hackman, and Dustin Hoffman, and later in the star-studded comedy “Last Vegas” (2013) featuring Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, and Morgan Freeman.
Beyond his acting career, elliot street was deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of performers and contributing to his local community. He imparted his knowledge and experience by teaching theater and speech at Meridian Community College. Furthermore, as a member of the Mississippi Arts Commission touring artist roster, elliot street extended his influence across the state. His dedication to Meridian was also evident in his passionate advocacy for historic preservation. He took a leadership role as the executive director of the Grand Opera House Revitalization Project, striving to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of the Queen City. Elliot Street’s multifaceted contributions as an actor, educator, and community advocate leave a lasting legacy in Meridian and beyond.
