One thing I'm amazed at is how long many of those actors lived! Many of them lived to a ripe old age, and most even lived to see Jim Crow dismantled in the 1960's.
What about Josephine Baker? She was beautiful and sensational, but America didn't accept her, France did and she became famous all over the world. The French didn't see color, just her talent and beauty. She became a French citizen and adopted children of 3 different races and ethnicities. She died in 1975.
Bonus fact. Back in the time of these actors and actresses Hollywood wasn't the go to City for Black actors. Instresting enough Jacksonville Florida was the main Hub for Black acting and film. Take that progressive Cali.
Oscar Micheaux should have been mentioned. He ran a successful production company for a number of years in NYC. He used actors from the New York stage in his movies.
Some of these black actors and actresses also worked in the " all black cast" movies when they weren't employed by Hollywood. Herb Jeffries ( who was in this video) worked in the " all black cast" pictures. So did Nina Mae Mckinney and Fredi Washington.
One overlooked thing about actor James Edwards. He was one of the very first black actors to play role in a major motion picture in which the characters race was not a factor. While not the lead role, his character, Lt. Maples, in the movie "Battle Hymn (1957)" could have been of any race. Sidney Poitier, in 1965's "The Bedford Incident," normally gets credit for breaking this barrier.
I am surprised that the 1 black actor never mentioned is Woody Sroode ,I have always thought he was 1 hell of a actor since the the 50s and 60s check out the flicks he's in.
In the 80s she did commercials in Chicago for a furniture company. I believe she made money to the end of her career, because of those commercials, which is a good thing. I love (It's a wonderful Life) and I loved her role as Annie, I never saw this role as demeaning, she was a beloved, character in the movie.🙂
George I am a libertarian (registered republican), own more guns than I can count, published scientist and have a degree in chemical engineering. I make bank. These stereotypical roles did exist. I understand your frustration with PCness but if you want to educate yourself more on understanding other people please feel free to respond or let me know in a direct message.
Thank you for the acknowledgments 😊 I have a great uncle named Maxie Thrower . He was an extra in several films in the 1950’s. But, “uncredited” but very significant to our family ❤️😊
Fredi Washington was one of my favorite actresses from that period. Mainly because she was talented and refused to pass for white in order to succeed. Hollywood tried to push her to pass but she refused to do it hence why she left and focused on working behind the scenes being a consultant on Carmen and Porgy and Bess as well as being a civil rights advocate.
The first film I saw Noble Johnson in was King Kong (1933) then The Mummy (1932) and Murders in the Rue Morgue opposite Bela Lugosi (1932) and he's a brilliant actor. Also fun fact, he and Lon Chaney were friends and both went to the same school.
Great! I like this. Theresa Harris is one of my favorite stars. There is a lovely book available about Butterfly McQueen from Gone With the Wind called Butterfly McQueen Remembered written by Stephen Bourne who is a British writer who also wrote a book about Nina Mae McKinney called The Black Garbo.
NOT ONLY WERE THESE BRILLIANT ARTISTS ROBBED OF A PLACE IN THE SUN , BUT SOCIETY AS A WHOLE WAS WAS ALSO SHORTCHANGED ! - - ALL MENTIONED HERE WERE TALENTED AND BRAVE , AND THERE WERE MANY OTHERS - AND ARE AT THIS TIME , STILL OTHERS SEEKING A WAY TO APPLY THEIR CRAFT ! BIGOTRY AND COWARDICE SHOULD HAVE NO PLACE IN THE ARTS !
Kj16V If you're a classic film lover I'm sure you you've seen some of these unsung actors and actresses. Sometimes they were on the screen less than 5 minutes, then they were gone. Sadly, they weren't in the opening or closing " cast of characters" credits so they couldn't be identified.
THANK YOU Action Kid !!!! THAT'S A GREAT PICTURE OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY. I SHOULD VISIT THE STATUE OF LIBERTY SOON. I HAVE NOT BEEN THERE SINCE THE SUMMER OF 1976, WHEN MY FAMILY RELATIVES CAME FROM SAN DIEGO TO VISIT. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A VIDEO REQUEST. PLEASE DO A FEATURE ON THE FIVE TOWNS AREA IN NASSAU COUNTY. ALTHOUGH I DID VISIT HEWLETT RECENTLY, I HAVE NOT BEEN TO CEDARHURST, INWOOD, LAWRENCE AND WOODMERE IN A LONG TIME. I HAVE A SWEET TOOTH, SO PLEASE DO A FEATURE ON THE BAKERIES IN THOSE AREAS....ESPECIALLY THE BLUEBERRY, CHERRY, AND PINEAPPLE CHEESE CAKES AND THE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES WITH NUTS. THANK YOU Action Kid !!!! THANK YOU YOU /TUBE !!!!
Black actors are still overlooked by Hollywood. For every success like Will Smith, there are dozens trying to break through the barriers. Even Billy Dee Williams was passed over to play Two Face in Batman Forever. He did, however, get his role back in the Lego Batman Movie.
Really? How can you look at today's Hollywood industry and still say black people are under represented. If we're talking ratios of black to white people in America then black people are heavily over represented in Hollywood. But hey! don't let the facts get in the way of your feelings :)
One thing I'm amazed at is how long many of those actors lived! Many of them lived to a ripe old age, and most even lived to see Jim Crow dismantled in the 1960's.
I love you guys for not putting this out in February! African AMERICAN history!
You left out Louise Beavers!! She was in almost every film from the 30’s-50’s!! Everyone knew her face at the time but not many knew her name.
Lurre _ :yeah they keep getting her confused with Hattie McDaniel
It's Actors you've never heard of. Louise Beavers is pretty well known.
Fredi Washington was only 1 year younger than Louise Beavers.
They also left out Juanita Moore.
What about Josephine Baker? She was beautiful and sensational, but America didn't accept her, France did and she became famous all over the world. The French didn't see color, just her talent and beauty. She became a French citizen and adopted children of 3 different races and ethnicities. She died in 1975.
Our people went through so much crap. It's amazing that most of us stayed sane.
Bonus fact. Back in the time of these actors and actresses Hollywood wasn't the go to City for Black actors. Instresting enough Jacksonville Florida was the main Hub for Black acting and film. Take that progressive Cali.
Oscar Micheaux should have been mentioned. He ran a successful production company for a number of years in NYC. He used actors from the New York stage in his movies.
He was not an actor
Some of these black actors and actresses also worked in the " all black cast" movies when they weren't employed by Hollywood. Herb Jeffries ( who was in this video) worked in the " all black cast" pictures. So did Nina Mae Mckinney and Fredi Washington.
So good. Thank you for this
Great to see Theresa Harris included. She's one of my favorite actresses.
One overlooked thing about actor James Edwards. He was one of the very first black actors to play role in a major motion picture in which the characters race was not a factor. While not the lead role, his character, Lt. Maples, in the movie "Battle Hymn (1957)" could have been of any race. Sidney Poitier, in 1965's "The Bedford Incident," normally gets credit for breaking this barrier.
You missed Butterfly McQueen
Part of, what way too many people,would refer to as, the good old days.
I am surprised that the 1 black actor never mentioned is Woody Sroode ,I have always thought he was 1 hell of a actor since the the 50s and 60s check out the flicks he's in.
Those "stereotypical" roles were the only ones offered to African American actors.
True!
In the 80s she did commercials in Chicago for a furniture company.
I believe she made money to the end of her career, because of those commercials, which is a good thing. I love (It's a wonderful Life) and I loved her role as Annie, I never saw this role as demeaning, she was a beloved, character in the movie.🙂
"Stereotypical" are for the non educated , liberal politically correct libtards . No educated person WOULD believe those roles are real !
If anyone is interested look into “mammy” roles for the history of this
George I am a libertarian (registered republican), own more guns than I can count, published scientist and have a degree in chemical engineering. I make bank. These stereotypical roles did exist. I understand your frustration with PCness but if you want to educate yourself more on understanding other people please feel free to respond or let me know in a direct message.
Thank you for the acknowledgments 😊
I have a great uncle named
Maxie Thrower . He was an extra in several films in the 1950’s. But, “uncredited” but very significant to our family ❤️😊
thank you!!
Excellent list. Thanks for this video.
I would like to see another video on this topic; this was an interesting video
Fredi Washington was one of my favorite actresses from that period. Mainly because she was talented and refused to pass for white in order to succeed. Hollywood tried to push her to pass but she refused to do it hence why she left and focused on working behind the scenes being a consultant on Carmen and Porgy and Bess as well as being a civil rights advocate.
The first film I saw Noble Johnson in was King Kong (1933) then The Mummy (1932) and Murders in the Rue Morgue opposite Bela Lugosi (1932) and he's a brilliant actor. Also fun fact, he and Lon Chaney were friends and both went to the same school.
Was that Lon Chaney jr. or sr.? Lon Chaney jr always seemed to be very open minded and civil for a Hollywood actor
I just watched the real "Manchurian Candidate" again last night; great performance by James Edwards!
How about making a video about Blazing Saddle. Or should I say, a masterpiece.
Very informative. Well done.
I am impressed in your ability to find topics I like lol.
True pioneers they should be remembered with respect!!!!!
Very cool...the alt right trolls haven't found this yet
In 4...3....2....1 [looks up] Welp, there's one now....
Yes we have!
George lol! Enjoy learning about black history, my small dicked friends :)
Thank you thank you for this wonderful video!
Well done ! I adored this.
So glad to see Theresa Harris included.
Thank you for educating us with this phenomenal video...
THANK YOU FOR THIS :)
This is really cool
Thank you for your video it was/is very informative 👍 👏 😀 👌
Simply put, thank you for this.
Great! I like this. Theresa Harris is one of my favorite stars. There is a lovely book available about Butterfly McQueen from Gone With the Wind called Butterfly McQueen Remembered written by Stephen Bourne who is a British writer who also wrote a book about Nina Mae McKinney called The Black Garbo.
Thanks for the gem
Awesome! Thanks for posting.
Thank you SOOO much for this posting!
Thank you!
Well done. Thank you for this!
What about Mantan Moreland?
What about Stepin Fetchit?
Thanks for doing this!
I've never seen a poorly done Top Tenz video. And this one is executed with care and dignity.
I was sure Mantan Moreland would be mentioned. He was almost a Stooge!
Thank you.
Thank you for this...❤❤❤
Kudos!
Thanks for the links.
NOT ONLY WERE THESE BRILLIANT ARTISTS ROBBED OF A PLACE IN THE SUN , BUT SOCIETY AS A WHOLE WAS WAS ALSO SHORTCHANGED ! - - ALL MENTIONED HERE WERE TALENTED AND BRAVE , AND THERE WERE MANY OTHERS - AND ARE AT THIS TIME , STILL OTHERS SEEKING A WAY TO APPLY THEIR CRAFT ! BIGOTRY AND COWARDICE SHOULD HAVE NO PLACE IN THE ARTS !
Thank You so much!
Thank you Simon!❤❤❤
This is cool!!!
Great video. Never heard of any of these people before.
Kj16V If you're a classic film lover I'm sure you you've seen some of these unsung actors and actresses. Sometimes they were on the screen less than 5 minutes, then they were gone. Sadly, they weren't in the opening or closing " cast of characters" credits so they couldn't be identified.
RIGHT ON MY MAN
Theresa Harris was GORGEOUS
Veyr well researched and produced. The only name I didn't know was Slim Thompson. Mr. Whistler tends to speak a little too rapidly.
Have heard or read about everyone of them, including MADAME WAN!
THANK YOU Action Kid !!!! THAT'S A GREAT PICTURE OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY. I SHOULD VISIT THE STATUE OF LIBERTY SOON. I HAVE NOT BEEN THERE SINCE THE SUMMER OF 1976, WHEN MY FAMILY RELATIVES CAME FROM SAN DIEGO TO VISIT. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A VIDEO REQUEST. PLEASE DO A FEATURE ON THE FIVE TOWNS AREA IN NASSAU COUNTY. ALTHOUGH I DID VISIT HEWLETT RECENTLY, I HAVE NOT BEEN TO CEDARHURST, INWOOD, LAWRENCE AND WOODMERE IN A LONG TIME. I HAVE A SWEET TOOTH, SO PLEASE DO A FEATURE ON THE BAKERIES IN THOSE AREAS....ESPECIALLY THE BLUEBERRY, CHERRY, AND PINEAPPLE CHEESE CAKES AND THE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES WITH NUTS. THANK YOU Action Kid !!!! THANK YOU YOU /TUBE !!!!
Black actors are still overlooked by Hollywood. For every success like Will Smith, there are dozens trying to break through the barriers. Even Billy Dee Williams was passed over to play Two Face in Batman Forever. He did, however, get his role back in the Lego Batman Movie.
It is a blessing to not be in a Schumacher Batman movie
Really? How can you look at today's Hollywood industry and still say black people are under represented. If we're talking ratios of black to white people in America then black people are heavily over represented in Hollywood. But hey! don't let the facts get in the way of your feelings :)
Red Redmon but they are minorities are still under represented today, especially when you look at how many white actors their are.
Sarah T so a talented white actor should lose a job to a black actor because of the colour of their skin??? Naw that sounds racist to me
@@jeremyruch5095 Typical trying the reserve racism bs, because you can't handle the truth.
Love. This. List...
I'm dating myself. I remember Lillian Randolph.
What about Clark Gable?
I though that was a rumour
Nope esp if you look at some of his pics
Clark Gable was not black.
Right. So was his mom black and his dad white?🙄
Wait, he's a Creole?
Freddi Washington also refused to pass for white to get better roles
Back then if you were black and they liked you you're pic would be 10 shades lighter. If they hated you you'd be like 8 shades darker.
It should be mentioned how outspoken Fredi Washington was politically. I'm surprised you left that out.
My man NOBLE JOHNSON...
Hey that's me!..just kidding but I am a Noble though.
Too light to play a maid? Ever hear of Shirley Booth?
One problem, Simon- Nina Mae McKinney's first name was pronounced NINE-A Mae!
I have heard of most of these actors
Lmao I know all these people.
Lillian was my Great grand mother, Amanda great Aunt
The wheels on the bus
Are there black actors in Hollywood today? Oh , right forgot, Samuel L. Jackson !
Woody Strode?
Awesome channel! Keep up with the great work. We'd greatly value your review! Let's encourage each other? 😎🤙
Sanford had the same amount of sons as Steptoe.
And now they are everywhere even as trojans or english knights
10 pioneering black actors you’ve never heard of or want to.
PrPwnage I want to.
Then why comment?
Who cares.
I do!
you must be white
I do too.
Well, we know that your white