Eugene Jackson facts for kids
Eugene W. Jackson II (born December 25, 1916 – died October 26, 2001) was an American child actor. He was famous for being a regular in the Our Gang short films. These films were made during the silent movie era by Pathé.
Quick facts for kids
Eugene Jackson
|
|
|---|---|
Jackson in Dixiana (1930)
|
|
| Born | December 25, 1916 Buffalo, New York, U.S.
|
| Died | October 26, 2001 (aged 84) Compton, California, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1918–2001 |
| Spouse(s) |
Sue Jackson
(m. 1946) |
Contents
Eugene Jackson's Acting Career
When Eugene Jackson joined the Our Gang series, he took the place of Ernie Morrison. Ernie Morrison was known as "Sunshine Sammy." Eugene's character was nicknamed "Pineapple." This was because his haircut looked like a pineapple.
Early Film Roles
Jackson played a character called "Humidor" in a very popular film. This film was Little Annie Rooney (1925). It starred Mary Pickford. A big poster of the movie, showing Jackson, is in Hollywood. It hangs in the lobby of the Mary Pickford Theatre.
Jackson also starred in Hearts in Dixie (1929). This was one of the first big studio movies with sound. It had mostly African-American actors. Eugene Jackson was the first African-American child to have a speaking part in a major movie.
Television and Later Films
In television, Jackson had a repeating role on the show Julia. This was the first TV show on a major network. It had a female African-American lead, Diahann Carroll. Jackson played Julia's uncle on the show.
Jackson's last big movie was The Addams Family (1991). In this film, he acted alongside Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia. He played a musician with one arm.
In 1999, Jackson wrote a book about his life. It was his autobiography. The book includes many pictures from his long career in acting.
Eugene Jackson's Death
Eugene Jackson passed away on October 26, 2001. He was 84 years old. He died from a heart attack in Compton, California.
Selected Filmography
Eugene Jackson appeared in many films throughout his career. Here are some of his notable roles:
- Penrod and Sam (1923) - Verman
- Little Annie Rooney (1925) - Humidor
- Hearts in Dixie (1929) - Chinquapin
- Dixiana (1930) - Cupid - Plantation House Boy
- Cimarron (1931) - Isaiah
- Sporting Blood (1931) - Sam "Sammy"
- The Buccaneer (1938) - James Smith, a Servant
- Reap the Wild Wind (1942) - Dr. Jepson's Black Servant
- The Long, Hot Summer (1958) - Waiter
- North by Northwest (1959) - Security Guard at auction
- The Apartment (1960) - Office Worker
- Shenandoah (1965) - Gabriel
- Cleopatra Jones (1973) - Henry
- Escape from Alcatraz (1979) - Inmate #7
- The Addams Family (1991) - One-Armed Bass Player
