Ernest Anderson
Acting • Born 1915-08-25 – Died 2011-03-05
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.
Filmography
25 credits
The Well
Movie • 1951
Ralph Crawford
In This Our Life
Movie • 1942
Parry Clay
Without Reservations
Movie • 1946
Dining Car Waiter (uncredited)
Sport of Kings
Movie • 1947
Alf
Lady on a Train
Movie • 1945
East Side, West Side
Movie • 1949
Three for Bedroom C
Movie • 1952
Fred Johnson
North by Northwest
Movie • 1959
Porter on Twentieth Century Ltd. (uncredited)
Backfire
Movie • 1950
James - Party Servant 9 (uncredited)
The Peanut Man
Movie • 1947
Robert
Lost in the Jungle
Movie • 1911
Hans
… tick… tick… tick…
Movie • 1970
Homer
Buccaneer's Girl
Movie • 1950
Mme. Brizar's Footman (uncredited)
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Movie • 1962
Ernie
Princess O'Rourke
Movie • 1943
Messenger (uncredited)
The Iron Mistress
Movie • 1952
Riverboat Cabin Boy
Last of the Good Guys
Movie • 1978
Uncle Stan
No Way Out
Movie • 1950
School Teacher (uncredited)
Riff-Raff
Movie • 1947
Wong - Houseboy (uncredited)
The Legend of Lylah Clare
Movie • 1968
Hot Dog Man (uncredited)
The Mississippi Gambler
Movie • 1953
Bellhop (uncredited)
No Greater Love
Movie • 1960
Queto's Father
Four Star Playhouse
TV • 1952
George
Run for Your Life
TV • 1965
The Jury Foreman
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
TV • 1956
Trooper Marshall