Biografie

1. Dezember 1907 · Monroe, Louisiana, USA

2. Februar 1990 · Los Angeles, Kalifornien, USA (scheinbarer Selbstmord)

Quite opinionated, he lobbied hard for better parts and working conditions for his fellow African-American performers, and was gratified to see some progress in the early 1970s.

Dogged by illness, he committed suicide (by gunshot) at age 82.

African-American actor who was initially hesitant upon appearing in films due to the limited range of roles available for actors of his race. Indeed, more than not, he played servile roles (natives, cabbies, waiters, porters).