Honoring a Living Legend: Lawrence Hilton Jacobs Pays Tribute to Robert Hooks at the 31st Annual NAACP Theatre Awards

When four living legends share one stage, history has a way of speaking for itself.

The 31st Annual NAACP Theatre Awards delivered one of those unforgettable moments as acclaimed actor and artist Lawrence Hilton Jacobs joined fellow Hollywood icons Glynn Turman and Richard Lawson in presenting the prestigious Legendary Theatre Award to pioneering actor, producer, and theatre visionary Robert Hooks. What unfolded was more than an awards presentation—it was a heartfelt tribute between lifelong friends and a celebration of the pioneers whose work transformed Black theatre for generations.

  (L-R) Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, Robert Hooks, Desirae L. Benson

Held at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, the annual ceremony recognized excellence in Black theatre while honoring the artists, visionaries, and changemakers whose work continues to inspire audiences around the world. Among the evening’s most memorable moments was the celebration of Robert Hooks, whose groundbreaking career has left an immeasurable mark on American theatre and entertainment.

For Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, the presentation was deeply personal.

The internationally celebrated actor, known for his unforgettable performances in Welcome Back, Kotter, Cooley High, Roots, and a career spanning more than five decades, wasn’t simply honoring a fellow entertainer—he was honoring one of his closest friends. Standing alongside Glynn Turman and Richard Lawson, Hilton Jacobs helped recognize Hooks’ extraordinary contributions to the performing arts, creating a powerful moment that united four men whose combined influence has helped shape generations of Black storytelling.

The evening became even more emotional when Hilton Jacobs surprised Hooks with an original portrait he personally created.

An accomplished visual artist in addition to his acting career, Hilton Jacobs designed the one-of-a-kind piece as a tribute to Hooks’ remarkable life and legacy. The artwork thoughtfully incorporated defining themes from Hooks’ career, his pioneering work in Black theatre, and the countless lives he has impacted throughout decades of service to the arts. It was a gift rooted not only in admiration, but in friendship—a visual representation of fifty years of respect, gratitude, and brotherhood.

The audience responded with heartfelt applause as the legendary actor accepted both the prestigious award and the deeply personal work of art.

“I was so honored to celebrate my great friend of 50 years, Robert Hooks, and his incredible life and legacy in show business. We spoke yesterday, and he told me how touched he was by the portrait I drew of him. That meant the world to me because I was just as touched creating something that honored a man I deeply admire, respect, and have been blessed to call my friend for five decades.”

— Lawrence Hilton Jacobs

Robert Hooks’ influence extends far beyond his acclaimed acting career. As a pioneering producer, director, and co-founder of the Negro Ensemble Company, he helped create opportunities for Black actors, playwrights, and directors during a time when representation on stage was limited. His unwavering commitment to developing Black talent and authentic storytelling helped redefine American theatre, opening doors that continue to benefit artists today.

The Legendary Theatre Award recognized not only a remarkable career but a legacy that continues to shape the future of the performing arts.

Behind the scenes, the success of the evening reflected the vision and leadership of Oscar Hernandez, producer and director of the 31st Annual NAACP Theatre Awards and founder of OSCIA Productions Inc.

With a career that spans national and international productions, Hernandez has become one of the entertainment industry’s most respected live event producers. Trained under legendary television producer Dick Clark, she has produced award shows, theatrical productions, television specials, concerts, and major live events while earning a reputation for excellence in production, creative direction, and event execution.

Her impact extends well beyond the stage. Hernandez is also the founder of the Educating Young Minds Scholarship Awards, an initiative dedicated to investing in future generations by helping students pursue higher education through scholarship opportunities. Her commitment to both entertainment and community service reflects the same spirit celebrated throughout the evening—using one’s platform to create lasting opportunities for others.

Following the ceremony, Hernandez expressed her appreciation to everyone who helped make the evening such a success.

“Thank you, Los Angeles, for supporting the 31st NAACP Theatre Awards. You turned out for the nominees and the honorees. Thank you to the presenters and performers, and thank you OSCIA Productions Team of Executives, especially my right hand, Kirin Naulls, and all of OSCIA’s production crew. Thank you again, Los Angeles for the welcoming reception that you gave me and the OSCIA Productions Team.”

Her words reflected the collaborative spirit that defined the evening and underscored the tremendous effort required to produce a celebration honoring the rich legacy of Black theatre.

As Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, Glynn Turman, Richard Lawson, and Robert Hooks stood together on stage, the significance of the moment resonated far beyond the walls of the theatre. It was a rare gathering of living legends—artists whose collective careers have entertained, inspired, and opened doors for generations of performers.

Perhaps the greatest gift of the evening wasn’t the award itself, but the opportunity to celebrate a living legend while he could personally receive the love, admiration, and gratitude of his peers.

“Lawrence Hilton Jacobs’ participation in this special tribute speaks to the deep respect he has for the pioneers who paved the way. Watching him honor one of his closest friends of five decades alongside fellow legends made for an incredibly meaningful moment. The portrait Lawrence created wasn’t simply artwork—it was a visual celebration of Robert Hooks’ extraordinary legacy and impact on Black theatre and entertainment. Celebrating living legends while they can receive their flowers is something our industry should never take for granted, and this evening beautifully reflected that sentiment.”

— Desirae L. Benson, Publicist

The 31st Annual NAACP Theatre Awards served as a beautiful reminder that legacy is not measured solely by awards or accolades, but by lives changed, barriers broken, and generations inspired.

For one unforgettable evening, Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, Robert Hooks, Glynn Turman, and Richard Lawson reminded everyone in attendance why preserving Black theatre history matters—and why honoring those who built the foundation while they are still here to witness their impact is one of the greatest tributes the entertainment industry can offer. It was more than an awards show, it was history, friendship, gratitude, and legacy taking center stage.

Photo Credit: Juliette Hagerman