
Leigh Whipper
- Date of Birth: 1876-10-29
- Date of Death: 1975-07-26
- Place of Birth: Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Biography
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Leigh Rollin Whipper (October 29, 1876 – July 26, 1975) was an American actor on the stage and in motion pictures. He was the first African American to join th... From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Leigh Rollin Whipper (October 29, 1876 – July 26, 1975) was an American actor on the stage and in motion pictures. He was the first African American to join the Actors' Equity Association, and one of the founders of the Negro Actors Guild of America. He is best known for creating the role of Crooks in the original Broadway production of Of Mice and Men, which he reprised in the 1939 film version. Educated at Howard University Law School, he left in 1895 and never practiced as a lawyer. Without any dramatic training, he made his first Broadway appearance in Georgia Minstrels. His first film role was in the 1920 silent film The Symbol of the Unconquered. During the Second World War, Whipper was a member of the steering committee of Negro Division the Hollywood Victory Committee.

Within Our Gates
Drama, Romance, Crime • 1920 January

Undercurrent
Drama, Thriller • 1946 November

White Cargo
Adventure, Drama • 1942 December

Mission to Moscow
War, Drama, History • 1943 April

The Symbol of the Unconquered
Drama • 1920 November

King of the Zombies
Horror, Comedy • 1941 May

Robin Hood of the Pecos
Western • 1941 January

Young Widow
Drama • 1946 March

Heart of the Golden West
Western • 1942 November

Virginia
Drama, Romance • 1941 January