Ben Carter (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Carter
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| Born | February 10, 1910 Fairfield, Iowa, U.S.
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| Died | December 12, 1946 (aged 36) New York City, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor, casting agent |
| Years active | 1934–1946 |
Ben Carter (born February 10, 1910 – died December 12, 1946) was an American actor. He was also a casting agent, which means he helped find actors for movies. Ben Carter appeared in many Hollywood films. Some of his well-known movies include The Harvey Girls, Dixie Jamboree, and Born to Sing.
Contents
Early Life
Ben Carter was born in Fairfield, Iowa. His father worked as a barber, and his mother was a housemaid. He finished high school in Aurora, Illinois.
Ben Carter's Acting Career
Carter moved to Los Angeles to work in the movie industry. He also worked as a booking agent. He helped African American performers find roles in New York City and Los Angeles. Ben Carter was one of the first African American actors to sign a seven-year contract with 20th Century-Fox. He opened his own agency office in 1935.
Notable Film Roles
Carter appeared in the famous movie Gone With the Wind (1939). He also helped cast all the other African American actors and actresses in that film. He was in Maryland (1940) and Tin Pan Alley (1940).
Ben Carter often played funny characters. He also got to show off his singing skills in movies like The Harvey Girls (1946) and A Day at the Races (1937). He had important roles in the Charlie Chan mystery movies. These included The Scarlet Clue (1945) and Dark Alibi (1946).
One of his most special roles was in the World War II movie Crash Dive (1943). In this film, his character was shown as a valuable member of a submarine's crew. This role helped break down common stereotypes about Black characters at the time.
Personal Life and Activism
Ben Carter was a member of the Hollywood Victory Committee. This group helped support the war effort during World War II. He was also a civil rights activist. This means he worked to make sure all people had equal rights.
In 1942, he lived in a part of Los Angeles called Sugar Hill. This area is now known as "West Adams."
His Passing
Carter became sick with diphtheria. This was a serious illness. He passed away from the disease on December 12, 1946, in New York City.
See also
In Spanish: Ben Carter para niños
