(Note: This photo is titled "The perfect Clown")
Spencer Bell was born in Lexington, Kentucky September 25th, 1887. He was one of the first African Americans to receive a movie contract in Hollywood during the era of silent films. His most popular role played was the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz in 1925.
Bell wasn't simply a Comedian. He was also a War Veteran of WWI. However, because he was black he played parts that represented the stereotype that if one's skin is dark, they are stupid. His parts were usually servants or menials. His career began in minstrel shows and vaudeville before breaking into pictures in 1919. Spencer spent most of his career in the comedies of Larry Semon, who chose to bill him under the demeaning name G. Howe Black.
Spencer Bell was born in Lexington, Kentucky September 25th, 1887. He was one of the first African Americans to receive a movie contract in Hollywood during the era of silent films. His most popular role played was the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz in 1925.
Bell wasn't simply a Comedian. He was also a War Veteran of WWI. However, because he was black he played parts that represented the stereotype that if one's skin is dark, they are stupid. His parts were usually servants or menials. His career began in minstrel shows and vaudeville before breaking into pictures in 1919. Spencer spent most of his career in the comedies of Larry Semon, who chose to bill him under the demeaning name G. Howe Black.