Portrait of Stepin Fetchit

Stepin Fetchit

Acting

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.

Born: May 30, 1902

Place of Birth: Key West, Florida, USA

Filmography

1975
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

as Self (archive footage)

1974
Amazing Grace

as Cousin Lincoln

1972
Cutter

as Shoeshine Man

1968
1953
The Sun Shines Bright

as Jeff Poindexter

1948
Miracle in Harlem

as 'Swifty', the Handyman

1942
1939
Zenobia

as Zero

1937
Love Is News

as Penrod

1937
On the Avenue

as Herman

1936
Dimples

as Cicero

1936
36 Hours to Kill

as Flash - Pullman Porter

1935
The Virginia Judge

as Spasm Johnson

1935
Hot Tip

as Cook

1935
1935
One More Spring

as Zoo Attendant

1935
Helldorado

as Ulysses

1934
Marie Galante

as Waiter in Pacific Gardens

1934
Judge Priest

as Jeff Poindexter

1934
1934
Stand Up and Cheer!

as Stepin Fetchit

1934
David Harum

as Sylvester

1934
Carolina

as Scipio

1931
Neck and Neck

as The Hustler

1931
The Galloping Ghost

as Baxter College Locker Room Attendant

1931
Wild Horse

as Stepin

1931
The Prodigal

as Hokey

1930
A Tough Winter

as Himself

1930
1930
1930
Cameo Kirby

as Croup

1929
Big Time

as Eli

1929
Salute

as Smoke Screen

1929
Show Boat

as Joe

1929
1929
The Ghost Talks

as Christopher Lee

1929
1928
The Devil's Skipper

as Slave's Husband

1927
In Old Kentucky

as Highpockets