Willie Best

Acting

Willie Best

Born May 27, 1913 · Sunflower, Mississippi, USA

Died November 27, 1962 · aged 49

William “Willie” Best (May 27, 1916 - February 27, 1962), sometimes known as “Sleep n' Eat,” was an American television and film actor. Best was one of the first African-American film actors and comedians to become well known. In the 21st century, his work, like that of Stepin Fetchit, is sometimes reviled because he was often called upon to play stereotypically lazy, illiterate, and/or simple-min…

Known For

High SierraHigh Sierra · 1941
High Sierra
★ 7.11941
MovieCrimeDrama
Given a pardon from jail, Roy Earle gets back into the swing of things as he robs a swanky resort.
At the CircusAt the Circus · 1939
At the Circus
★ 6.41939
MovieComedyMusic
Jeff Wilson, the owner of a small circus, owes his partner Carter $10,000. Before Jeff can pay, Carter's accomplices steal the money so he can take over the circus. Antonio Pirelli and Punchy, who work at the circus, together with lawyer Loophole try to find the thief and get the money back.
Vivacious LadyVivacious Lady · 1938
Vivacious Lady
★ 7.01938
MovieComedyRomance
College town life gets turned upside down after a button-down botany professor secretly weds a sizzling night-club singer.
The Ghost BreakersThe Ghost Breakers · 1940
The Ghost Breakers
★ 6.51940
MovieComedyHorror
After intrepid working girl Mary Carter becomes the new owner of a reputedly haunted mansion located off the Cuban coast, a stranger phones warning her to stay away from the castle. Undaunted, Mary sets sail for Cuba with a stowaway in her trunk—wise-cracking Larry Lawrence, a radio announcer who helps Mary get to the bottom of the voodoo magic, zombies and ghosts that supposedly curse the spooky estate.
I Take This WomanI Take This Woman · 1940
I Take This Woman
★ 5.81940
MovieDramaRomance
On return from Europe Dr. Decker foils glamour girl Georgi from jumping overboard. At Decker's suggestion to keep busy, she assists at his clinic in the slums.
The Littlest RebelThe Littlest Rebel · 1935
The Littlest Rebel
★ 6.41935
MovieComedyDrama
Virgie Cary's father, a rebel officer, sneaks back to his rundown plantation to see his dying wife and is arrested. A Yankee officer takes pity and sets up an escape. Everyone is captured and the officers are to be executed. Virgie and Uncle Billy beg President Lincoln to intercede.
A-Haunting We Will GoA-Haunting We Will Go · 1942
A-Haunting We Will Go
★ 6.21942
MovieComedyCrime
Stan and Ollie get involved with con men, crooks, a genial magician, and two interchangeable coffins with disastrous but funny results.
Mr. Moto Takes a VacationMr. Moto Takes a Vacation · 1939
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
★ 6.61939
MovieActionCrime
Mr. Moto is in Egypt to thwart a criminal mastermind determined to steal the priceless crown of the Queen of Sheba. When the precious treasure is transported to America, Mr. Moto must race against time to unmask the cunning thief who will stop at nothing—not even murder—to get what he wants.

Filmography

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