Born in Baltimore, Maryland, to a "blue collar" working family, the youngest of his siblings, his first ambition was to become a teacher. But a friend suggested he try out for a local theatre play. He was bitten by the desire to be a full fledged actor. So, he went to New York and became quite a success in the black theatre community and off Broadway roles.

He was Oscar nominated for best supporting actor in the film Ragtime (1981). He then starred in A Soldier's Story and should have been again nominated for best actor. He was selected over 250 African-American actors to play Detective Virgil Tibbs in TV series In the Heat of the Night.

Howard Rollins paved the way for many African-American actors who are enjoying the attention and high salaries, today. Howard Rollins appeared in an episode of the American Movie Classics cable network show "Remember WENN". He played a "gopher" at the radio station.

His character replaced one of the actors on a show and was an instant success as long as they could keep his race a secret. In the context of the episode, he got a contract from a major Hollywood studio.

Rollins was nominated for Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, 1981, role of Coalhouse Walker in Ragtime; Emmy nomination, Best Supporting Actor, 1882, for Another World.

Howard E. Rollins, Jr. died of pneumonia due to complications from a form of cancer known as Lymphoma. He was 46 years old.