When Howard Rollins joined the cast of In the Heat of the Night, he was stepping into some pretty enormous shoes. The film version of In the Heat of the Night, which preceded the series, was critically acclaimed and celebrated for its quality.

Moreover, the character of Virgil Tibbs was originated by talented actor Sidney Poitier. Poitier was nominated for a Golden Globe for his part in the film.

Of course, Rollins was no stranger to stardom. Best known for playing Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the 1981 film Ragtime, Rollins had already made his mark on the television industry and was ready to take on television as Virgil Tibbs.

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Rollins stated that there were two reasons that he took the role of Tibbs. "One was the opportunity to work with Carroll O'Connor, in a situation where we try to go beyond just chasing crooks," said Rollins during an interview with TV Data. "The other was the practical, functional situation of increasing one's power, one's TV Q."

Rollins knew the power of television, to be able to greet audiences in their own homes every week. It promoted recognition.

"To be able to be presented to a larger audience, and ultimately make it more interesting on breaks between filming to go do some piece of theater or help sell a movie," said Rollins.

Of course, the actor also appreciated the important messages that a show like In the Heat of the Night promoted.

"Bigotry and things like that are basically the results of ignorance and fear," said Rollins. "Familiarity, getting to know someone, can soften one's point of view. I think that's what's going to happen. It would be very dull every week to see two people who hate each other. Of course, there will be tension. With any relationship with any degree of depth, the learning process is a long one. It takes time for those abrasive elements to dissipate."