Edmund Lincoln Anderson (September 18, 1905 â€" February 28, 1977) was
an American comedian and actor. To a generation of early radio and
television comedy he was known as "Rochester".Anderson got his start
in show business as a teenager on the vaudeville circuit. In the early
1930s, he transitioned into films and radio. In 1937, he began his
most famous role of Rochester van Jones, usually known simply as
"Rochester", the valet of Jack Benny, on his NBC radio show The Jack
Benny Program. Anderson became the first African American to have a
regular role on a nationwide radio program. When the series moved to
CBS television in 1950, Anderson continued in the role until the
series' end in 1965.After the series ended, Anderson remained active
with guest starring roles on television and voice work in animated
series. He was also an avid horse-racing fan who owned several race
horses and worked as a horse trainer at the Hollywood Park Racetrack.
an American comedian and actor. To a generation of early radio and
television comedy he was known as "Rochester".Anderson got his start
in show business as a teenager on the vaudeville circuit. In the early
1930s, he transitioned into films and radio. In 1937, he began his
most famous role of Rochester van Jones, usually known simply as
"Rochester", the valet of Jack Benny, on his NBC radio show The Jack
Benny Program. Anderson became the first African American to have a
regular role on a nationwide radio program. When the series moved to
CBS television in 1950, Anderson continued in the role until the
series' end in 1965.After the series ended, Anderson remained active
with guest starring roles on television and voice work in animated
series. He was also an avid horse-racing fan who owned several race
horses and worked as a horse trainer at the Hollywood Park Racetrack.
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