James Franklin Baskett (February 16, 1904 â€" July 9, 1948) was an
American actor best known for his portrayal of Uncle Remus, singing
the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" in the 1946 Disney feature film Song of
the South.In recognition of his portrayal of the famous black
storyteller he was given an Honorary Academy Award, making him the
first black male performer to receive an Oscar. Despite his leading
role, Baskett was not considered for a competitive Academy Award for
Best Actor or Best Supporting Actor.After abandoning his plans to
study pharmacology for financial reasons, James Baskett supported
himself as an actor, moving from his home town of Indianapolis,
Indiana, to New York City, and joining the company of Bill Robinson,
better known as Mr. Bojangles. As Jimmie Baskette, he appeared on
Broadway with Louis Armstrong in the all-black musical revue Hot
Chocolates in 1929, and was announced for Hummin' Sam in 1933,
although it failed to open. Baskett also acted in several all-black
films made in the New York area, including Harlem Is Heaven (1932)
starring Bill Robinson.
American actor best known for his portrayal of Uncle Remus, singing
the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" in the 1946 Disney feature film Song of
the South.In recognition of his portrayal of the famous black
storyteller he was given an Honorary Academy Award, making him the
first black male performer to receive an Oscar. Despite his leading
role, Baskett was not considered for a competitive Academy Award for
Best Actor or Best Supporting Actor.After abandoning his plans to
study pharmacology for financial reasons, James Baskett supported
himself as an actor, moving from his home town of Indianapolis,
Indiana, to New York City, and joining the company of Bill Robinson,
better known as Mr. Bojangles. As Jimmie Baskette, he appeared on
Broadway with Louis Armstrong in the all-black musical revue Hot
Chocolates in 1929, and was announced for Hummin' Sam in 1933,
although it failed to open. Baskett also acted in several all-black
films made in the New York area, including Harlem Is Heaven (1932)
starring Bill Robinson.
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