Lew Dockstader facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lew Dockstader
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Dockstader in blackface, 1902
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| Born |
George Alfred Clapp
August 7, 1856 |
| Died | October 26, 1924 (aged 68) |
Lew Dockstader (born George Alfred Clapp; August 7, 1856 – October 26, 1924) was a famous American performer. He was a singer, comedian, and a big star in vaudeville shows. He was especially known for his blackface minstrel performances, where he would perform alone or with his own popular group.
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Lew Dockstader's Early Life
Lew Dockstader was born George Alfred Clapp on August 7, 1856. His hometown was Hartford, Connecticut. His parents were Chester Clapp and Sarah Reed.
In 1883, he married Lucin Brown. They had a daughter named Mildred Havlin Clapp. In 1887, he officially changed his name to Lew Dockstader.
A Star on Stage and Screen
In 1898, Lew Dockstader joined up with another performer, George Primrose. They created a show called Primrose and Dockstader's Minstrel Men. This show traveled around and was very popular on the vaudeville circuit until 1904.
Lew Dockstader also appeared in movies. He was in several short comedy films between 1904 and 1907.
Impersonating President Roosevelt
In 1904, Lew Dockstader created a film that made fun of President Theodore Roosevelt. Some people thought the film was not appropriate. Dockstader agreed to stop showing the film.
Even after this, Dockstader continued to impersonate President Roosevelt in his live vaudeville shows. He even said that President Roosevelt himself had given him permission to do the impression.
A few years later, while President Roosevelt was on an expedition in Africa, Dockstader planned a new show. It was called "Dockstader in Africa, or Rescuing Roosevelt." However, this show was never performed.
In 1914, Lew Dockstader played the main character in a silent film called "Dan".
Later Years and Legacy
Lew Dockstader's wife passed away in 1919. In 1923, he was injured in a fall due to health problems. His very last performance was in December 1923 at Keith's Star Theater.
Lew Dockstader died on October 26, 1924, in New York City. He was 68 years old. He was buried in Kensico Cemetery.
Performers Who Worked with Dockstader
Many talented performers were part of Dockstader's Minstrels, including:
- Will Oakland
- Al Jolson
- Cornelius J. O'Brien
