Charles Olden (actor) facts for kids
Charles Olden was a talented American actor who performed in both movies and on stage. He was known for playing important roles, especially in films that featured all African American casts. He also acted alongside other famous African American performers, like Evelyn Preer.
Olden played a character named Florian Slappey in two different movies. This character and the films were based on a popular comedy series called "Darktown Birmingham," which was published in a magazine called The Saturday Evening Post.
He was also a part of a special theater group in New York City called the Ethiopian Art Theatre. Charles Olden received great praise for his acting in a play based on William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors. He also earned applause for his role as George in a play adapted from Oscar Wilde's Salome.
His Work in Films
Charles Olden starred in these movies:
- The Framing of the Shrew (1929) where he played Florian Slappey.
- The Melancholy Dame (1929) where he also played Florian Slappey.
On the Stage
Charles Olden performed in several plays:
- The Comedy of Errors (1923): This play was an adaptation of William Shakespeare's famous comedy.
- Salome (1923): Written by Oscar Wilde, he played "A Cappadocian" and "First Jew." This play was performed at the Frazee Theatre, and it was his first time acting on Broadway, which is a very famous theater district. Lionel Monagas and Evelyn Preer were also in this show.
- Runnin' Wild (1923): This was a musical comedy. It had music by James Johnson and lyrics by Cecil Mack. The dances were created by Lyda Webb. Charles Olden played a head waiter in this show, which was performed at the New Colonial Theatre. Other actors in the cast included Ralph Cooper and Monte Hawley.
