Slappy White facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slappy White |
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White in 1971
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| Birth name | Melvin Edward White |
| Born | September 27, 1921 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | November 7, 1995 (aged 74) Brigantine, New Jersey, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1940–1995 |
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Melvin Edward "Slappy" White (born September 27, 1921 – died November 7, 1995) was a famous American comedian and actor. He was well-known for working with comedian Redd Foxx in the 1950s and 1960s. They performed stand-up comedy on the Chitlin' Circuit, which was a group of venues that welcomed African-American entertainers. Slappy White also appeared on popular TV shows like Sanford and Son, That's My Mama, Blossom, and Cybill. He was also in movies such as Mr. Saturday Night and Amazon Women on the Moon.
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About Slappy White
Early Life and Nickname
Slappy White was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 27, 1921. When he was a child, he famously "ran away to join the circus." He grew up near the old Royal Theatre in Baltimore. By the age of 10, he would dance outside the theater to earn coins. He also sold candy to people going into the shows.
At 13, he left Baltimore because he was often absent from school. He was worried about being sent to a special school for troubled kids. Slappy joined a traveling carnival and earned money as a tap dancer. Police eventually found him and sent him back to his family. However, he loved show business too much to go back to school. He got his nickname "Slappy" from a theater manager. This manager called him and a friend "Slap and Happy" when they entered a talent show.
Starting His Comedy Career
Slappy White began his career as a dancer. He only started doing comedy in 1940. He joined a dance team called "Two Zephyrs." He and his partner, Clarence Schelle, appeared on a radio show called The Major Bowes Amateur Hour. The "Two Zephyrs" performed for over four years. They shared the stage with famous musicians like Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. Slappy first performed in Los Angeles at the Orpheum Theatre with Louis Armstrong.
After "Two Zephyrs," he formed another successful comedy team called "Lewis and White." They traveled for several years and performed with stars like Johnny Otis and The Ink Spots. Lewis and White even appeared on TV on The Morey Amsterdam Show.
Working with Redd Foxx
Slappy White is most famous for his comedy team with Redd Foxx. They met in Harlem in 1947 and formed their comedy act. They toured all over the country with the Billy Eckstine Orchestra for more than four years.
Years before, Slappy White had married Pearl Bailey, who later became a very famous singer. They divorced later on. Interestingly, years later, Slappy teamed up with Pearl's brother, Bill Bailey, who was also a dancer. Slappy joked that their act would be called "Rev. Bill Bailey and his ex-brother-in-law."
Solo Career and Las Vegas
Slappy's solo career began in 1951. Singer Dinah Washington asked him to open her show at the Black Hawk in San Francisco. Slappy used to drive Dinah and entertain her with jokes. One night, when she was late for her show, Dinah asked Slappy to go on stage and "say something funny" to the audience. Slappy was a huge hit! Dinah kept him as her opening act. He was also married for a time to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer LaVern Baker.
Slappy White performed in Las Vegas for many years. In the 1950s, he told jokes about the nightclub manager during his act. Even though his jokes were not mean, it was unusual for a Black comedian to joke about a white manager back then. The manager fired Slappy. But Dinah Washington said she would leave too if Slappy was fired. So, the manager changed his mind. Slappy worked with Dinah Washington for four years before becoming a solo act.
Comedy for Change
Slappy White created a special comedy routine called "Brotherhood Creed." He used one black glove and one white glove while reciting a poem about equality. He performed this routine many times during the Civil Rights Movement in America. President John F. Kennedy even praised it. In 1965, Slappy was invited to perform "Brotherhood Creed" for the Massachusetts State Senate. He was known for telling jokes that were not offensive.
Later Career and TV Appearances
In 1969, Slappy formed a new comedy team called Rossi and White with Steve Rossi. They performed at the White House in May of that year. Rossi and White also entertained passengers on a special flight from Chicago to Spain. The airline hoped that live entertainment would help sell more tickets.
Later in his life, Slappy White appeared on his friend Redd Foxx's TV show, Sanford and Son. He played Fred's friend, who was also named Melvin. In 1973, he signed a big contract to perform at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.
In 1986, comedian Milton Berle planned a new TV show called Moscow & Vine. Slappy White was going to be his co-star. Slappy's role was to play Berle's old vaudeville partner and an employee in Berle's character's music store.
Slappy White was also well-known for appearing at the Friars' Club roasts. These were events where comedians joked about each other. He often performed with other comedians like Milton Berle and Jackie Vernon. After he passed away, recordings of these roasts became popular, bringing his comedy to new fans. His name was even used in an episode of Seinfeld called "The Money", where Jerry Seinfeld pretended his name was "Slappy White."
Death
Slappy White passed away from a heart attack on November 7, 1995, at his home in Brigantine, New Jersey. This was just 38 days after his long-time friend George Kirby also died. At the time of his death, Slappy was planning to retire from acting. He was in the process of moving from Los Angeles to New Jersey. He did not have any children from his marriages.
Film and TV Shows
Here are some of the films and TV shows Slappy White appeared in:
- 1970 The Man from O.R.G.Y.
- 1972 Sanford and Son, as Melvin, an old friend of Fred
- 1974 Amazing Grace
- 1981 White and Reno
- 1987 Amazon Women on the Moon
- 1992 Mr. Saturday Night, a small part in the New York Friars' Club scene
Images for kids
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White (left) as Fred's friend, Melvin, on Sanford and Son in 1972.
