Ernest Anderson
Ernest Anderson was born in Lynn MA and earned his high school diploma in Washington D.C. at Dunbar High School, formerly named The Preparatory High School for Colored Youth. Founded in 1891, it was America's first public high school for black students. He earned his bachelor's degree at Northwestern University's School of Drama and Speech. He moved to Hollywood and was working in the service department when Bette Davis arranged for him to interview for the role of Perry Clay in the film "In This Our Life" (1942). Mr. Anderson persuaded the director, John Huston, to change the racist dialog of his character typical of Hollywood in that era, to one of dignified intelligence and emotion. After serving his country in WWII, he returned to Warner Brothers where he continued to humanize the roles of America's black performers. He remained active in film until the late 1960's. He died in DeLand, Florida, on March 5, 2011.
Acting
Movie
North by Northwest
as Porter on Twentieth Century Ltd. (uncredited)
1959
Movie
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
as Ernie
1962
Movie
No Way Out
as School Teacher (uncredited)
1950
Movie
In This Our Life
as Parry Clay
1942
Movie
Lady on a Train
1945
Movie
Backfire
as James - Party Servant 9 (uncredited)
1950
Movie
The Legend of Lylah Clare
as Hot Dog Man (uncredited)
1968
Movie
… tick… tick… tick…
as Homer
1970
Movie
East Side, West Side
1949
Movie
Riff-Raff
as Wong - Houseboy (uncredited)
1947
Movie
Princess O'Rourke
as Messenger (uncredited)
1943
Movie
Without Reservations
as Dining Car Waiter (uncredited)
1946
Movie
The Well
as Ralph Crawford
1951
Movie
Buccaneer's Girl
as Mme. Brizar's Footman (uncredited)
1950
Movie
The Iron Mistress
as Riverboat Cabin Boy
1952
Movie
The Mississippi Gambler
as Bellhop (uncredited)
1953
TV
Four Star Playhouse
as George
1952
TV
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
as Trooper Marshall
1956
TV
Run for Your Life
as The Jury Foreman
1965
Movie
Sport of Kings
as Alf
1947
Movie
Three for Bedroom C
as Fred Johnson
1952
Movie
The Peanut Man
as Robert
1947
Movie
Lost in the Jungle
as Hans
1911
Movie
Last of the Good Guys
as Uncle Stan
1978