Blondie Robinson facts for kids

Blondie Robinson, sometimes spelled Blondi Robinson, was an amazing African American comedian who performed in vaudeville shows. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment in the early 1900s. It featured many different acts like singers, dancers, comedians, and acrobats.

Discovering Blondie Robinson

We don't know much about when or where Blondie Robinson was born. People think he was born in California in the late 1800s. He became famous for his funny acts on stage.

In 1909, a newspaper called the Indianapolis Freeman praised his comedy. They said he was very skilled at making people laugh. Another newspaper, The Boston Globe, called him a great comedian. They said he often played a "man about town" character.

What Were His Shows Like?

Blondie Robinson's performances were full of energy. He would sing, dance, and wear fun costumes. He was also a contortionist, which means he could bend his body in amazing ways! He often worked with other talented vaudeville performers. Some of his partners included Bisette, Henry Jines, and Billie McCarver.

Where Can We See More?

The Brown University Library has a special collection. It includes many old photographs of Blondie Robinson. You can also see pictures of other performers from the vaudeville era there. These photos help us remember this exciting time in entertainment history.

Blondie Robinson's Stage Shows

Blondie Robinson performed in many different shows throughout his career. Here are some of the popular ones he was a part of:

• The Isle of Insects (1906): This was a touring show. It was created by Abo Zebretis. Blondie Robinson starred in it alongside Emma Thompson.
• Mr. Mikado (1907): This show was a funny version of a famous opera called The Mikado. It was performed in Los Angeles. A group called the Unique troupe put it on, with music by Homer Long.
• Hello (1921)
• Plantation Days (1922): This was another touring show. It featured music by the talented musician James P. Johnson. Maury Greenwald produced the show.
• The Sepian Stars (1936)