Webrollins, who had a history of drug and alcohol abuse problems, had appeared opposite o’connor as virgil tibbs, a black detective from philadelphia. Webhoward rollins, an actor who was nominated for an academy award in 1981 for his work in the film ''ragtime'' and was written out of the hit television series ''in. Webhoward rollins was an american television, film, and stage actor. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of coalhouse walker jr. In ragtime and virgil tib. Webhoward 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.
