Hamtree Harrington facts for kids

James Carl "Hamtree" Harrington (1889-1956) was a very popular American comedian in the early 1900s. He was also one of the people who helped start the Negro Actors' Guild of America, an important group for Black performers. He appeared in several movies during his career.

Early Life

James Carl Harrington was born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1889. When he was 14 years old, Harrington left school and joined a traveling carnival. This was the start of his life on stage.

A Career in Vaudeville

After leaving the carnival, Harrington became a comedian and a vaudeville performer. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment with many different acts, like singers, dancers, and comedians. When he wasn't performing, he sometimes worked as a barber.

In the late 1920s, Harrington often performed with famous Black female performers. By the 1930s, he started performing by himself. During this time, he also acted in movies and began a singing career. He was also a key person in creating the Negro Actors' Guild of America. This group helped Black actors and performers.

Harrington was a featured comedian in a big Broadway show called Blackbirds of 1939. This show also starred famous artists like Lena Horne and Tim Moore. Harrington's last performance was in 1952. People aren't sure how he got his stage name, "Hamtree," but some think it might have been because he had large feet!

Family Life

Early in his career, James Harrington became a father to a son. Later, in 1916, he married Maude Mills, who was also a vaudeville actress. Their marriage lasted for five years. Harrington did not marry again before he passed away in 1956.