John Lester Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Lester Johnson
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John Lester Johnson in the 1938 film Tarzan's Revenge
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| Born |
John Leslie Johnson
August 13, 1893 Suffolk, Virginia, U.S.
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| Died | March 27, 1968 (aged 74) |
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| Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Boxer, actor | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse(s) | Lulu Dill | ||||||||||||||||||||
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John Lester Johnson (born John Leslie Johnson; August 13, 1893 – March 27, 1968) was an American boxer and actor. He is well-known for his 1916 boxing match against Jack Dempsey. He also played Bumbo in the 1933 comedy short The Kid From Borneo, part of the famous Our Gang series.
Contents
John Lester Johnson's Early Life and Boxing Career
Growing Up and Serving His Country
John Lester Johnson was born on August 13, 1893, in Suffolk, Virginia. He was one of 11 children in his family. During World War I, Johnson served in the United States Army. He was part of the 367th Infantry, which was a Buffalo Soldier unit.
His Boxing Journey
From 1912 to 1929, Johnson had a professional boxing career. He won 39 matches, lost 29, and had 6 draws. Out of his wins, 23 were by knockout, meaning he won by making his opponent unable to continue.
In 1916, Johnson fought against Jack Dempsey, who would later become a world heavyweight champion. Their fight ended in a 10-round draw. During this match, Dempsey suffered several broken ribs. Even though it was a draw, Dempsey later said that he thought Johnson had won. He admitted that Johnson was a better fighter at that time.
Johnson also fought against other famous boxers. These included Joe Jeanette, Harry Wills, Kid Norfolk, and Bill Tate.
John Lester Johnson's Acting Career
Playing Bumbo in The Kid From Borneo
John Lester Johnson appeared in the 1933 Our Gang comedy The Kid From Borneo. In this film, he played a character named Bumbo. Bumbo was a circus attraction known as a "Wild Man from Borneo." He wore special tribal clothes and kept saying "Yum Yum, eat 'em up!" whenever he saw candy.
Some of the Our Gang children thought Bumbo was a cannibal. Others mistook him for their Uncle George, who their mother had called the "black sheep of the family." A wild chase started when Bumbo tried to take the children's candy. During the chase, Bumbo and the children caused a lot of damage to the furniture in a house.
Other Film Roles
Besides The Kid From Borneo, Johnson also appeared in two films with The Three Stooges. His other movie roles included Radio Patrol (1932) and A Scream in the Night (1934). He also acted in The Glory Trail (1936) and Tarzan's Revenge (1938). Later, he was in Mr. Washington Goes to Town (1942) and Professor Creeps (1942).
Later Life and Passing
In 1960, an article in Ebony magazine shared more about Johnson's life. After his acting career, he worked as a special officer at Cheli Air Force Station. Sadly, in the late 1950s, he suffered several strokes. These strokes caused him to have partial paralysis, which means some parts of his body could not move properly.
John Lester Johnson lived at the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Los Angeles until he passed away in 1968. He is buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles.
