Heshimu Cumbuka (born Arlington Banks) is an American actor best known for his work in television and film during the 1970s and early 1980s. He appeared in a variety of roles spanning popular TV series and motion pictures, gaining recognition for his recurring part as Jason in Room 222 and notable supporting performances in feature films.
Early Life and Background
Heshimu Cumbuka was born with the name Arlington Banks. Publicly available records do not provide comprehensive details about his date or place of birth, early life, or training.
Career
Television
Cumbuka’s acting career included numerous television roles:
- Room 222 (1969–1974): Cumbuka played Jason / Jason Allen, a recurring character in the long-running drama series about teachers and students at a Los Angeles high school.
- Hill Street Blues (1981–1982): He appeared in a supporting role across two episodes of the popular police drama as a character credited simply as “Pimp.”
- Lou Grant (1979): Guest appearance as Clark.
- Soul Train (1972): Cumbuka appeared on the variety/music show as himself in an episode featuring The Isley Brothers and Luther Ingram. (IMDb)
Other television movie and series credits include Born to Be Sold (1981), Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier (1980), To Kill a Cop (1978), and Run, Joe, Run (1974).
Film
Cumbuka appeared in several films during his career, often in supporting roles:
- Sunnyside (1979): He played the character Ice in this action drama film set against urban street life.
- They Call Me Bruce (1982): Portrayed Curtis in this martial arts comedy featuring Johnny Yune.
Other film credits include roles in The Ordeal of Patty Hearst (1979) and additional projects that showcased his range in both dramatic and genre work.
Filmography
Below is a selection of Cumbuka’s acting credits:
Film
- Sunnyside (1979) as Ice
- They Call Me Bruce (1982) as Curtis
- The Ordeal of Patty Hearst (1979) as Drummer
Television
- Room 222 (1969–1974) as Jason / Jason Allen
- Hill Street Blues (1981–1982) as Pimp
- Lou Grant (1979) as Clark
- Born to Be Sold (1981) as Hawker
- Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier (1980) as Soldier
- To Kill a Cop (1978) as Stewart
- Run, Joe, Run (1974) as Mute Boy
- Soul Train (1972) as himself
Personal Life
Publicly available biographical sources—including IMDb—list limited personal details beyond his professional work. There is no widely documented information on his personal life, education, or activities outside acting.
Legacy
Though not a household name, Heshimu Cumbuka’s work across television and film during a vibrant era of American entertainment reflects the breadth of character performers contributing to both mainstream and genre productions of the time. His recurring role on Room 222 remains his most substantial body of work in television.
Source: (IMDb)
