Willie Best
American actor (1913–1962) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Willie Best?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
SHOW ALL QUESTIONS
This article is about the actor. For other uses, see William Best.
William Best (May 27, 1913[1][2][3] – February 27, 1962), known professionally as Willie Best or Sleep 'n' Eat,[4] was an American television and film actor.[5][6]
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Willie Best | |
---|---|
Born | William Best (1913-05-27)May 27, 1913 Sunflower, Mississippi, U.S. |
Died | February 27, 1962(1962-02-27) (aged 48) |
Resting place | Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery |
Other names | Sleep 'n' Eat |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1930–1955 |
Close
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-minded characters in films. Of the 124 films he appeared in, he received screen credit in at least 77, an unusual feat for an African American bit player.