Person
Stepin Fetchit
Acting · 1902–1985 · Key West, Florida, USA
Biography
Stepin Fetchit (1902–1985) was an American comedian and actor. His Fetchit persona parlayed into a successful film career, eventually becoming the first black actor to become a millionaire. He was also the first black actor to receive screen credit. Stepin Fetchit typical film persona and stage name have long been controversial, and seen as illustrative of negative stereotypes of Negroes. However, a newer interpretation of his film persona contends he was ultimately subversive of the status quo.
Known for
Tonight Starring Jack Paar
Self
Hollywood Black
Self (archive footage)
Carolina
Scipio
Bend of the River
Adam
Zenobia
Zero
Hot Tip
Cook
Stand Up and Cheer!
Stepin Fetchit
Salute
Smoke Screen
Thru Different Eyes
Janitor
Big Time
Eli
Filmography
- 2024Hollywood BlackSelf (archive footage)
- 1976Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved HollywoodDancing Butler
- 1975Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?Self (archive footage)
- 1974Amazing GraceCousin Lincoln
- 1972CutterShoeshine Man
- 1970a.k.a. Cassius ClaySelf
- 1968Inquiring NunsSelf
- 1957Tonight Starring Jack PaarSelf
- 1953The Sun Shines BrightJeff Poindexter
- 1952Bend of the RiverAdam
- 1950Harlem Follies of 1949
- 1948Miracle in Harlem'Swifty', the Handyman
- 1947I Ain’t Gonna Open That DoorRichard
- 1946Broadway and MainJanitor
- 1946Baby Don't Go Away from Me
- 1945Big Timers
- 1942Thru Different EyesJanitor
- 1939ZenobiaZero
- 1938His Exciting NightCasper
- 1937Fifty Roads to TownPercy
- 1937Love Is NewsPenrod
- 1937On the AvenueHerman
- 1936DimplesCicero
- 193636 Hours to KillFlash - Pullman Porter
- 1935The Virginia JudgeSpasm Johnson
- 1935Steamboat Round the BendJonah
- 1935Hot TipCook
- 1935Charlie Chan in EgyptSnowshoes
- 1935One More SpringZoo Attendant
- 1935HelldoradoUlysses
- 1934Marie GalanteWaiter in Pacific Gardens
- 1934Judge PriestJeff Poindexter
- 1934The World Moves OnDixie
- 1934Stand Up and Cheer!Stepin Fetchit
- 1934David HarumSylvester
- 1934CarolinaScipio
- 1933Slow PokeStepin
- 1931Neck and NeckThe Hustler
- 1931The Galloping GhostBaxter College Locker Room Attendant
- 1931Wild HorseStepin
- 1931The ProdigalHokey
- 1930Temps d'HiverStepin
- 1930Face of Desire
- 1930A Tough WinterHimself
- 1930Swing HighSam
- 1930The Big FightSpot
- 1930Cameo KirbyCroup
- 1929Big TimeEli
- 1929SaluteSmoke Screen
- 1929Show BoatJoe
- 1929Fox Movietone Follies of 1929Swifty
- 1929Thru Different EyesJanitor
- 1929The Ghost TalksChristopher Lee
- 1929Hearts in DixieGummy
- 1928The Tragedy of YouthPorter
- 1928Nameless Men
- 1928The Devil's SkipperSlave's Husband
- 1927In Old KentuckyHighpockets
- 1925The Mysterious Stranger
Follow their work on Vescene
Rate films and shows on two axes — quality and fun — and share taste with friends.