Ernest Anderson
Born August 25, 1915 (Age: 110)
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Lynn, Massachusetts, USA
Biography
Ernest Anderson was born in Lynn MA and earned his high school diploma in Washington D.C. at Dunbar High School, formerly named The Preparatory High School for Colored Youth. Founded in 1891, it was America's first public high school for black students. He earned his bachelor's degree at Northwestern University's School of Drama and Speech. He moved to Hollywood and was working in the service department when Bette Davis arranged for him to interview for the role of Perry Clay in the film "In This Our Life" (1942). Mr. Anderson persuaded the director, John Huston, to change the racist dialog of his character typical of Hollywood in that era, to one of dignified intelligence and emotion. After serving his country in WWII, he returned to Warner Brothers where he continued to humanize the roles of America's black performers. He remained active in film until the late 1960's. He died in DeLand, Florida, on March 5, 2011.
Ernest Anderson was born in Lynn MA and earned his high school diploma in Washington D.C. at Dunbar High School, formerly named The Preparatory High School for Colored Youth. Founded in 1891, it was America's first public high school for black students. He earned his bachelor's degree at Northwestern University's School of Drama and Speech. He moved to Hollywood and was working in the service department when Bette Davis arranged for him to interview for the role of Perry Clay in the film "In This Our Life" (1942). Mr. Anderson persuaded the director, John Huston, to change the racist dialog of his character typical of Hollywood in that era, to one of dignified intelligence and emotion. After serving his country in WWII, he returned to Warner Brothers where he continued to humanize the roles of America's black performers. He remained active in film until the late 1960's. He died in DeLand, Florida, on March 5, 2011.
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Filmography
No Image
Last of the Good Guys
1978
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as Uncle Stan
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Age: 62
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
1962
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as Ernie
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Age: 47
No Image
No Greater Love
1960
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as Queto's Father
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Age: 44
North by Northwest
1959
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as Porter on Twentieth Century Ltd. (uncredited)
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Age: 43
The Mississippi Gambler
1953
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as Bellhop (uncredited)
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Age: 37
No Way Out
1950
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as School Teacher (uncredited)
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Age: 34
Buccaneer's Girl
1950
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as Mme. Brizar's Footman (uncredited)
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Age: 34
Backfire
1950
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as James - Party Servant 9 (uncredited)
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Age: 34
Lady on a Train
1945
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as
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Age: 29
In This Our Life
1942
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as Parry Clay
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Age: 26
Lost in the Jungle
1911
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as Hans
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Age: -4