Leigh Whipper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Leigh Whipper
Whipper as the Crab Man in Porgy (1927)
Born	Leigh Rollin Whipper (1876-10-29)October 29, 1876 Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
Died	July 26, 1975(1975-07-26) (aged 98) New York City, U.S.
Alma mater	Howard University
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1899–1958
Spouse(s)	Lillian E. Myles ​ ​ (m. 1904; died 1946)​
Children	Leighla Whipper
Parent(s)	William James Whipper Frances Rollin Whipper
Relatives	Ionia Rollin Whipper (sister) William Whipper (great-uncle)

Leigh Rollin Whipper (born October 29, 1876 – died July 26, 1975) was an important American actor. He performed on stage and in movies. He made history as the first African American to join the Actors' Equity Association. This group helps actors. He also helped start the Negro Actors Guild of America. One of his most famous roles was Crooks in the Broadway play Of Mice and Men. He played this character again in the 1939 movie.

Leigh Whipper's Life Story

Leigh Whipper came from a family of important people. His mother, Frances Rollin Whipper, was an African-American educator, writer, and activist. His uncle, William Whipper, was an abolitionist who fought against slavery. Leigh studied at Howard University Law School. He left in 1895 and chose not to become a lawyer.

Starting His Acting Career

Leigh Whipper began acting without any special training. His first stage role was in a play called Uncle Tom's Cabin in Philadelphia in 1899. He first appeared on Broadway in a show called Georgia Minstrels. His very first movie role was in the 1920 silent film The Symbol of the Unconquered.

A Famous Portrait

A painting of Leigh Whipper is on display at the Brooklyn Museum. The painting is called "Dans un Café à Paris (Leigh Whipper)". It was created by the artist Lois Mailou Jones. The museum says that the artist wanted to show African Americans in a noble and thoughtful way.

Helping During World War II

During World War II, Leigh Whipper was part of a special group. This group was called the Negro Division of the Hollywood Victory Committee. They helped support the war effort through Hollywood.

His Daughter's Career

Leigh's daughter, Leighla Whipper, was also involved in music. She wrote Calypso songs and worked as a music publisher.

Leigh Whipper's Movies and Shows

Leigh Whipper acted in many films and television shows. Here are some of them: