Trivia

The first black actor to become a millionaire, he owned 12 automobiles and had 16 servants at the height of his fame. By 1947, he had squandered his immense fortune and was forced into bankruptcy.

His humbling, ingratiating style of acting unfortunately became a stereotype for black actors in the early years of cinema.

Despite the strong criticisms he received during the civil rights era over his playing to the worst stereotypes of blacks, in later years he was praised for his part in opening doors for black actors, notably receiving the Special Image Award by the NAACP. He was elected to the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1978.

Professional name was adopted from a thoroughbred racehorse.

On April 5, 1969 Donald Martin Lambright, son of comedian Stepin Fetchit, killed 4, including himself and his wife, and injured 15 while driving and occasionally stopping along the Pennsylvania Turnpike east of Harrisburg, PA.

Suffered a major stroke in 1976 that ended his acting career.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1751 Vine Street in Hollywood, California on February 8, 1960.

Although some sources suggest he was born in 1896 or 1898, the U.S. census for 1910 confirms the 1902 birth year.

Has two sons: Jemajo Perry (born 1930) and Donald Lambright (1935-1969).

Following his death, he was interred with a Catholic Funeral Mass at Calvary Cemetery in East Los Angeles, California.

Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith, pg. 158-159. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387

Grandfather of Yvette L. Campbell.

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 271-273. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.

Black Americans saw his screen persona as an embarrassing and harmful anachronism, echoing negative stereotypes.

His screen name was devised to suit his screen character as if someone wanted something he would 'step 'n' fetch it'.

He had his best time when he partnered Bob Hope in the 1940 film The Ghost Breakers when he had all the best lines.