Arthur French was an American actor and director, best known for his work in the theater.

French was a founding member of the Negro Ensemble Company after first appearing with the American Negro Theater in New York.

French appeared in Broadway revivals of The Iceman Cometh (1973), Death of a Salesman (1975) and You Can’t Take It With You (1983). His films included Spike Lee’s Malcolm X (1992) and Crooklyn (1994).

Among his many television appearances were three episodes of Law & Order - two of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and one of Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

French died July 24, 2021in Manhattan. He was 89.