Nick Stewart facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nick Stewart
Nick Stewart as Lightnin' in The Amos 'n' Andy Show, 1951
Born	Horace Winfred Stewart March 15, 1910 New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	December 18, 2000(2000-12-18) (aged 90) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor/Producer
Years active	1932–1996
Spouse(s)	Edna Stewart ​ ​ (m. 1941)​
Children	3

Horace Winfred "Nick" Stewart (March 15, 1910 – December 18, 2000) was an American actor for television and movies. He was also known as Nick O'Demus. Stewart was famous for his role as Lightnin' (Willie Jefferson) on the TV show The Amos 'n' Andy Show.

Nick Stewart's Acting Journey

Nick Stewart was born in New York City on March 15, 1910. His parents, Joseph and Eva Stewart, had recently moved from Barbados. Nick began his career as a dancer at famous places like the Cotton Club and Hoofers Club.

Early Roles and Voice Work

Stewart also performed in Broadway shows. He created a funny character he called "Nicodemus." He played this role in shows like Swingin' the Dream and Louisiana Purchase. He also played Nicodemus in the film Go West, Young Man. In 1941, Stewart performed comedy on the Rudy Vallée radio show.

Other acting jobs included the 1936 movie Go West Young Man. He was also the voice of Br'er Bear in the 1946 Disney movie Song of the South. You can still hear his voice as Br'er Bear in the Splash Mountain ride at Disney parks! He also played Willy-Willy on the TV series Ramar of the Jungle. In 1954, Stewart had an important role in The Reign of Amelika Joe. He also won a comedy role in White Christmas (1954).

Becoming Lightnin'

Nick Stewart was first offered the role of Calhoun the lawyer for The Amos 'n' Andy Show. He turned it down. Later, he was offered the role of Lightnin' on the TV show. Stewart accepted this role. He had one main goal: to earn enough money to open his own theater. He wanted a place where African American actors would not always play the same old roles, like maids or porters.

In the 1960s, he had small parts on Mister Ed. He also appeared in the funny movie, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963). In 1987, Nick Stewart talked about The Amos 'n' Andy Show in a TV documentary. He also had a role in the movie Carmen Jones.

Ebony Showcase Theatre

Nick Stewart and his wife, Edna Stewart, started the Ebony Showcase Theatre in Los Angeles. This theater gave many performers of all backgrounds a chance to act. Famous people who performed there included Al Freeman Jr., Yuki Shimoda, William Schallert, Tom Ewell, John Amos, Nichelle Nichols, Isabel Sanford, B. B. King, Phil Collins, Eartha Kitt, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan.

Building the Theatre

The Ebony Showcase Theatre opened in 1950. It moved to different locations in Los Angeles over the years. The Stewarts worked hard to make the theater a great place. They even did much of the building's remodeling themselves. They used wood they found from the CBS Television City construction site.

In 1953, Stewart hosted a variety show called Ebony Showcase Presents from the theater on KTTV. Later, CBS decided not to renew Nick Stewart's contract for Amos 'n' Andy. They thought his work with the theater was affecting his acting on the show. This happened shortly before Amos 'n' Andy was taken off the air.

By 1964, the Ebony Showcase had grown and moved again. Nick Stewart even wrote his own musical called Carnival Island. In 1973, Nick and Edna Stewart were honored by Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley. They were recognized for their important work with the Ebony Showcase theatre. During his early career, Stewart often worked with Milton Berle. Berle often visited the Ebony Showcase.

Challenges and Legacy

The Stewarts faced financial problems with the theater. They even lost two of their homes trying to save it. A city law required older brick buildings to meet new earthquake safety rules. The entire complex that housed the Ebony Showcase was eventually taken by the city. The theater building was torn down in 1998.

Despite these challenges, Nick Stewart received important awards. He was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP. He also received the Living Legend award from the National Black Theatre Festival in 1995.

Death and Continuing Legacy

Nick Stewart passed away in Los Angeles, California on December 18, 2000. He was 90 years old. He died just a week after attending the start of construction for a new Performing Arts Center. This center was named for politician Nate Holden and was built where the Ebony Showcase once stood.

The Ebony Showcase did not truly close. Instead, it changed and adapted. The Ebony Showcase continues to provide entertainment, resources, and help to the community through the internet and local programs. At the time of his death, Nick Stewart was the last living cast member from the 1941 animated film Dumbo.

Filmography