Webdec 10, 1996 · howard rollins, who was dropped from the popular television series “in the heat of the night” because of drug problems, has died. Bill gillespie, his partner in tibbs' hometown of sparta, mississippi. Webjan 6, 2022 · howard rollins may have had the most difficult role in the television adaptation of in the heat of the night, taking over the iconic role of virgil tibbs from.

He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of coalhouse walker jr.