Nathan Curry facts for kids

Nathan Curry (born January 2, 1897 – died December 14, 1964) was an American actor. He was known for playing supporting roles in movies that featured African American actors. Even though he had important parts in silent films (movies without sound), his name was often not shown in the movie credits. He was a key figure in what was called "Black Hollywood," a time when many talented Black actors worked in the film industry.

Nathan Curry's Early Life and Acting Career

Nathan Curry was born on January 2, 1897. Before moving to Los Angeles, California, he lived in Houston, Texas. He started his acting journey in movies in 1919. His first small role was in a film called The Leopard Woman.

In 1927, Nathan Curry was cast in the movie South Sea Love. He quickly became known for his work both in front of and behind the camera.

Working Behind the Scenes

Nathan Curry was not just an actor; he also helped manage other performers. For the 1927 film The Notorious Lady, he was in charge of 27 actors at the First National Productions' studio.

He played a big part in the 1929 movie Four Feathers. Curry helped choose and manage 600 Black actors for the film's battle scenes. In Al Christie's "talkie" (a movie with sound) called Music Hath Harms, Curry had an important role as Champagne, the bandleader.

Later, for Ernest B. Shoedsack's famous 1933 film, King Kong, Nathan Curry managed 150 actors, including both adults and children.

Nathan Curry's Legacy

Nathan Curry was an important part of the African American acting community in Hollywood. He worked alongside other talented actors like Maceo Bruce Sheffield. His work helped shape early American cinema, especially for Black performers.

Filmography

Here is a list of some of the films Nathan Curry appeared in:

• The Leopard Woman (1920)
• Tarzan and the Golden Lion (1927)
• Topsy and Eva (1927)
• West of Zanzibar (1928)
• Thunderbolt (1929)
• Music Hath Harms (1929) as Prof. Aleck Champagne
• Four Feathers (1929)
• Hearts in Dixie (1929)
• Tarzan and His Mate (1934) as Saidi
• Harlem on the Prairie (1937) as Bart
• Congo Maisie (1940) as Laemba
• Lucky Ghost (1942) as Farmer
• Mr. Washington Goes to Town (1942) as Policeman
• Uncle Tom's Cabin
• The Missing Link
• One in the Air
• Diamond Handcuff
• Hallelujah
• Golden Dawn
• Isles of Escape