P. Jay Sidney (April 8, 1915 â€" September 30, 1996) was an American
screen actor, who was also known as Jay P. Sidney. Although obscure
today, he was a prominent activist who fought for equal representation
of African Americans in American entertainment.Sidney Parhm Jr. was
born in Norfolk, Virginia, to a poor family. His mother died when he
was young, and his father moved the family to New York City. His
father died when Sidney was 15, and he was placed in foster care. An
excellent student, he graduated high school while still 15 years old,
then attended City College for two years. He did not complete his
college course, leaving in order to pursue a career in theater.Sidney
quickly obtained small parts in NYC theatrical productions. By 1934 he
was included in Lena Horne’s first stage play. During the 1940s he
appeared in Carmen Jones and Othello. He was seen in a photograph
taken for a campaign event with US President Franklin Delano
Roosevelt.During the 1940s Sidney built a radio career, beginning with
his series "Experimental Theatre of the Air".
screen actor, who was also known as Jay P. Sidney. Although obscure
today, he was a prominent activist who fought for equal representation
of African Americans in American entertainment.Sidney Parhm Jr. was
born in Norfolk, Virginia, to a poor family. His mother died when he
was young, and his father moved the family to New York City. His
father died when Sidney was 15, and he was placed in foster care. An
excellent student, he graduated high school while still 15 years old,
then attended City College for two years. He did not complete his
college course, leaving in order to pursue a career in theater.Sidney
quickly obtained small parts in NYC theatrical productions. By 1934 he
was included in Lena Horne’s first stage play. During the 1940s he
appeared in Carmen Jones and Othello. He was seen in a photograph
taken for a campaign event with US President Franklin Delano
Roosevelt.During the 1940s Sidney built a radio career, beginning with
his series "Experimental Theatre of the Air".
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