Matinee Classics - Stepin Fetchit Biography & Filmography

Stepin Fetchit ACTOR

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STEPIN FETCHIT BIOGRAPHY & FILMOGRAPHY:

Stepin Fetchit was born on May 30th, 1902 in Key West, Florida with the birth name Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew Perry. His parents were Joseph Perry and Dora Monroe and they were both Indian immigrants. He left home at the age of twelve to join a carnival and found work as a singer as well as a tap dancer.

During his teen years he first became involve in the entertainment industry performing as a comic actor. He first gained popularity when he developed a character known as, "The Laziest Man In the World" which was part of a two man vaudeville act. He later decided to take his act solo and changed his stage name to the name of the act, "Stepin Fetchit".

He made quite a name for himself using this portrayal of this character and became the first African American actor to become a millionaire. He was also the first black actor to ever receive a film credit.

Some of his more well known film roles were in, "Hearts in Dixie" (1929), "Show Boat" (1929), "David Harum" (1934), "Judge Priest" (1934) starring Will Rogers, "Steamboat Round the Bend" (1935), "The Country Chairman" (1935), "Charlie Chan in Egypt" (1935), "Love in News" (1937), "Miracle in Harlem" (1948) "Bend of the River" (1952) starring James Stewart, Arthur Kennedy, Rock Hudson and Julie Adams and most recent roles were in, "Amazing Grace" (1974) and the television movie, "Cutter" (1972).

Throughout his career in the industry he added fifty four film credits to his resume and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to the Motion Picture Industry.