Ernest Anderson
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.
Filmography (25 titles)
Last of the Good Guys
Uncle Stan · 1978
6.7Movie… tick… tick… tick…
Homer · 1970
6.0MovieThe Legend of Lylah Clare
Hot Dog Man (uncredited) · 1968
7.1ShowRun for Your Life
The Jury Foreman · 1965
7.9MovieWhat Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Ernie · 1962
No Greater Love
Queto's Father · 1960
8.0MovieNorth by Northwest
Porter on Twentieth Century Ltd. (uncredited) · 1959
6.2ShowDick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
Trooper Marshall · 1956
7.2MovieThe Mississippi Gambler
Bellhop (uncredited) · 1953
5.3MovieThe Iron Mistress
Riverboat Cabin Boy · 1952
6.8ShowFour Star Playhouse
George · 1952
10.0MovieThree for Bedroom C
Fred Johnson · 1952
7.3MovieThe Well
Ralph Crawford · 1951
6.9MovieNo Way Out
School Teacher (uncredited) · 1950
5.8MovieBuccaneer's Girl
Mme. Brizar's Footman (uncredited) · 1950
5.9MovieBackfire
James - Party Servant 9 (uncredited) · 1950
7.1MovieEast Side, West Side
1949
6.2MovieRiff-Raff
Wong - Houseboy (uncredited) · 1947
10.0MovieSport of Kings
Alf · 1947
7.0MovieThe Peanut Man
Robert · 1947
6.2MovieWithout Reservations
Dining Car Waiter (uncredited) · 1946
6.7MovieLady on a Train
1945
6.5MoviePrincess O'Rourke
Messenger (uncredited) · 1943
6.9MovieIn This Our Life
Parry Clay · 1942
5.0MovieLost in the Jungle
Hans · 1911