Max Julien (1933 – 2022) was a groundbreaking actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker who first gained recognition on New York’s Off-Broadway stages, including Joseph Papp’s Shakespeare in the Park. He made an unforgettable leap to film with critically acclaimed roles in Uptight (1968), Psych-Out (1968), and Getting Straight (1970), with critics touting him as a potential Oscar nominee.

He cemented his legacy by co-writing and producing the classic Cleopatra Jones (1973), and writing, producing, and starring in Thomasine & Bushrod (1974), a revolutionary Western praised by The New York Times and nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best Writer of the Year. A fiercely independent artist, Julien took creative control of his projects, overseeing everything from direction to costume design. He then took a sabbatical from film, exploring the political developments of other cultures and writing poetry. Julien was dubbed one of the most
popular and important filmmakers in the United States according to the Los Angeles Times, and graced the covers of such magazines as Ebony and Jet. He then took a sabbatical from film, exploring the political developments of other cultures and writing poetry. He completed a
novel, Dark Clowns Kickin’ Ass, and finished 13 sculptures exhibited in galleries throughout the
United States, including Los Angeles’ prestigious Pacific Design Center. In addition to these
sculptures, Julien also created wearable art in the form of hats, shoes, boots, and jackets. Beyond Hollywood, Julien left an indelible mark internationally, training filmmakers in West Africa and starring in revered African productions like Sangu, and The Silent One. His cultural footprint extended across continents, combining political awareness, artistic vision, and spiritual insight.

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But Julien’s influence reached even deeper into American music and street culture. His iconic role as “Goldie” in The Mack (1973) became a foundational reference in hip-hop. Ninety percent of the world’s rappers have sampled his voice and the music from The Mack including Outkast, 50-Cents, Three 6 Mafia. His voice, dialogue, and images have been sampled by everyone from Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and A$AP Rocky, solidifying him as a symbol of style, independence, and Black empowerment. Rick Ross even tattooed Julien’s face on his chest calling him a personal hero. Revered as a cult icon, Quentin Tarantino paid homage in True Romance, Samuel L. Jackson praised him as a key influence, and Stevie Wonder included him in the dedication for Songs in the Key of Life. His face adorned Magic Johnson Theatre walls from L.A. to Harlem, and his legacy continues to shape both film and music for generations. His wife of over 30 years Arabella Chavers Julien carries on his legacy through his art.