Tim Reid

Tim Reid – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the journey of Tim Reid — American actor, comedian, director, and pioneer. From WKRP in Cincinnati to creating one of the few Black-owned studios, explore his life, work, and wisdom.

Introduction

Timothy Lee Reid Sr. (born December 19, 1944) is an American actor, comedian, director, and media entrepreneur. Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati, Marcel “Downtown” Brown on Simon & Simon, Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister, and recurring stints on That ’70s Show.

Beyond acting, Reid has made significant contributions behind the camera — building production infrastructure, championing stories of underrepresented communities, and advocating for inclusive media. His journey combines artistry, activism, and institution-building.

Early Life and Family

Tim Reid was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to parents William Lee and Augustine (née Wilkins) Reid.

As a youth in segregated Virginia, Reid experienced the realities of racial separation and witnessed the resilience of Black communities. Norfolk State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in 1968. Alpha Phi Alpha.

Before fully entering entertainment, Reid worked for DuPont Corporation for three years, gaining experience in corporate structure and discipline.

Youth and Entry into Entertainment

Reid’s path into the performing arts was not purely linear. His business and corporate experience, combined with his exposure to social issues, shaped the way he viewed media and storytelling.

In 1968, he was paired with insurance salesman Tom Dreesen to form a comedy duo called Tim & Tom, initially created to support an anti-drug program in schools.

The experience with Tim & Tom also underlined Reid’s understanding that entertainment could be a vehicle for social commentary — a principle he would carry through his film and television work.

Career and Achievements

Breakthrough Acting Roles

Reid’s acting career began taking off in the 1970s, with appearances on The Richard Pryor Show and other television projects. 1978 when he was cast as Venus Flytrap, the charismatic disc jockey on the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, a role he played through 1982.

Following that, he starred as Marcel “Downtown” Brown on Simon & Simon (1983–1987). Sister, Sister as Ray Campbell, running from 1994 to 1999. That ’70s Show as William Barnett in the mid-2000s.

He also led the CBS series Frank’s Place, playing a college professor who inherits a Louisiana restaurant.

Directing & Producing

Reid’s ambitions extended behind the camera. He directed the film Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored (1996), an adaptation of Clifton Taulbert’s memoir, exploring African American life through decades.

He also created Stop the Madness, an anti-drug video special, and directed various television episodes.

In 1997, with his wife Daphne Maxwell Reid, he co-founded New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, Virginia.

However, in 2015, Reid sold the property, citing lack of state incentives and operational challenges.

Institutional & Media Leadership

Reid founded Legacy Media Institute, a non-profit aimed at bridging established professionals with emerging media creators, especially from underrepresented groups.

He has used his platform to speak about representation, diversity, historical context in media, and the importance of agency in storytelling.

Historical Context & Milestones

• Reid’s career unfolded during a time when television representation of Black professionals was still limited; roles like Venus Flytrap provided visibility and nuance.

• His formation of Tim & Tom in the late 1960s placed him in a pivotal cultural moment, where comedy could challenge racial boundaries.

• Founding New Millennium Studios was a bold move in an industry overwhelmingly centralized in Los Angeles and New York — asserting that high-quality media could be produced regionally by Black creators.

• His work came at a time when Black narratives were often sidelined; Reid’s focus on history, community, and local voices helped shift that calculus.

Legacy and Influence

Tim Reid’s legacy spans acting, production, and mentorship:

• He became a model for Black actors balancing mainstream appeal with meaningful roles.

• His studio efforts showed that infrastructure matters — access and location can shape who tells stories.

• Legacy Media Institute and his advocacy helped nurture new talent behind the scenes, not just in front of the camera.

• His directing work (such as Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored) added to the canon of Black cinematic storytelling that emphasizes dignity, memory, and reflection.

Personality and Approach

Reid is often described as thoughtful, principled, entrepreneurial, and community-minded. His business background gave him discipline and organizational acumen, while his performance side gave him artistic sensibility.

He tends to approach projects with both heart and structure — committed to legacy, representation, and the “why” behind the work, not just fame or profit. Over his career, he has emphasized persistence, integrity, and the necessity of building institutions rather than relying on external validation.

Famous Quotes of Tim Reid

Here are some notable quotes credited to Tim Reid that reflect his views on culture, media, and creativity:

“Just having hope ain't going to cut it. You've got to have hope, passion and skills.”

“A film should be an experience. You should feel something. It should motivate you to feel something.”

“Ninety percent of the time, you're going to hear no. It took me seven years to make ‘Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored.’ Nobody wanted to see the movie made. I got the movie made.”

“Why would you create a movie for Black people if you don't understand the history and perspective of the people you are doing it for? You need historical perspective to make sound decisions.”

“The business is so upside down now. It's not just about the bling-bling.”

“How did we suddenly become entranced with gangster culture? I saw it this morning on campus. When did the Black community say we should all look like criminals?”

These statements reveal Reid’s concern with image, legacy, authenticity, and the moral dimension of storytelling.

Lessons from Tim Reid

1. Build institutions, not just reputations
   Reid’s work founding a studio and an institute shows foresight: infrastructure matters for lasting change.

2. Persistence over instant success
   His quote about hearing “no” repeatedly underscores that breakthroughs often come after sustained effort.

3. Understand context and heritage
   He argues that telling stories about a community demands knowledge of its history and worldview.

4. Create opportunities, don’t wait for them
   Rather than depend on existing systems, Reid helped create new spaces for Black creators.

5. Balance art and purpose
   His career shows that it’s possible to navigate mainstream entertainment while remaining committed to deeper meaning.

Conclusion

Tim Reid is a rare figure in entertainment whose impact bridges screen and society. His journey from actor to director to studio founder and mentor is marked by a consistent commitment: telling stories that matter, creating access for others, and insisting on dignity and agency in media.