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James Baskett

Acting

James Baskett

Born February 16, 1904 · Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Died July 9, 1948 · aged 44

James Franklin Baskett (February 16, 1904 – July 9, 1948) was an American actor who portrayed 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 Remus, he was given an Honorary Academy Award in 1948, making him the first Black male performer to receive an Oscar.

Known For

DumboDumbo · 1941
Dumbo
★ 7.01941
MovieAnimationFamily
Dumbo is a baby elephant born with over-sized ears and a supreme lack of confidence. But thanks to his even more diminutive buddy Timothy the Mouse, the pint-sized pachyderm learns to surmount all obstacles.
Song of the SouthSong of the South · 1946
Song of the South
★ 6.51946
MovieFamilyAnimation
Uncle Remus draws upon his tales of Br'er Rabbit to help little Johnny deal with his confusion over his parents' separation as well as his new life on the plantation.
The Heavenly BodyThe Heavenly Body · 1944
The Heavenly Body
★ 5.61944
MovieComedyRomance
The beautiful wife of a tweedy astronomer becomes convinced that her astrologer's prediction of a new dream man in her life will come true.
20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang · 1933
20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang
★ 7.01933
MovieComedyMusic
Four convicts escape from a chain gang. Shortly thereafter, changes are made at the prison, because a blue ribbon commission will be investigating conditions there. The changes include steak every day for dinner and stage shows for entertainment. After reading about this, the four escapees plead with the warden to take them back in. Or was this all a dream?
Revenge of the ZombiesRevenge of the Zombies · 1943
Revenge of the Zombies
★ 5.41943
MovieHorrorComedy
When Dr. Von Altermann's wife Lila dies mysteriously at his spooky mansion her relations suspect murder. They also suspect the doctor is turning her into a zombie, to join the army of living dead he hopes to devote to the Nazi cause. However, Lila, though dead, has developed a will of her own.
Straight to HeavenStraight to Heaven · 1939
Straight to Heaven
★ 9.01939
MovieCrime
Singer Jimmy Williams' father Joe is a chemist who recently lost his job to George Elliott. Since then, Joe has been investigating the "Adam and Even" brand of canned goods sold in Harlem.
Harlem Is HeavenHarlem Is Heaven · 1932
Harlem Is Heaven
★ 7.51932
MovieDramaMusic
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson made his movie acting debut in this 1932 film, featuring Putney Dandridge, James Baskett (Oscar winner for "Song of the South"), Cotton Club dancer Anita Boyer, Henri Wassell, Alma Smith, Bob Sawyer, and composer/bandleader Eubie Blake and his orchestra.
Gone HarlemGone Harlem · 1938
Gone Harlem
★ 9.01938
MovieDramaComedy
A musical comedy drama of life behind the scenes in a Harlem movie studio.

Filmography

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