Trivia

Was the first African-American to "star" in a film.

Holding a law degree from Pennsylvania's Dickinson University, Clarence requested that he be addressed as Dr. Muse in later years.

Was the first black director of a Broadway show in 1943, "Run Little Chillun", described as a 'negro folk play with music'.

In his salad days, Muse appeared as an opera singer, a minstrel performer and a vaudeville actor. He also composed songs and wrote plays and sketches, and was considered a pioneer in the 'black theatre' movement.

Died four days before the release of his final film, L'Étalon noir (1979).

Was a founder of the Harlem Lafayette Theatre and a member of the Lafayette Players.

An outspoken proponent for the positive treatment of black performers, Muse fought demeaning stereotypes for most his career. Ironically, he was a staunch supporter of the controversial black-oriented TV series The Amos 'n Andy Show (1951). He insisted that, despite the standard caricatures of the title players, the series allowed black actors to portray white-collar roles such as doctors, bankers, judges, and professors, generally not done in white-oriented series.

A member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Omega Chapter.

Inducted into the "Black Filmmakers Hall Of Fame" (1973)

Sunday, May 2nd, 1937: He was a special guest on the Los Angeles-based radio program "Help Thy Neighbor" hosted by Hal Styles.

Died one day before his 90th birthday.

His mini-bio says otherwise but Clarence Muse, who died in 1979, was not in "Casino" 1995.

Father: Alexander Muse; Mother: Mary A. Kellam.