He was a talented Shakespearean but was forced at the time to accept comedy parts when few black actors were considered for such important and serious roles. His passion remained for the classics, and he returned frequently to play such parts.
He won the lead role of Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles (1974) over Richard Pryor, who co-wrote the script intending to play the role himself. Studio execs were apparently nervous over Pryor's reputation as a racy comedian and thought Cleavon would be a safer choice.