William Best (May 27, 1913 – February 27, 1962), known professionally as Willie Best or Sleep n' Eat, was an American television and film actor. Best was one of the first African American film actors and comedians to become well known. In the 21st century, his work, like that of Stepin Fetchit, is sometimes reviled … See more A native of Sunflower, Mississippi, Best reached Hollywood as a chauffeur for a vacationing couple. He decided to stay in the region and began his performing career with a traveling show in southern California. … See more Best was fond of using recreational narcotics, which resulted in at least two well-publicized arrests. In 1942 he was arrested for … See more Willie Best was rescued from professional oblivion by veteran producer Hal Roach, who regarded Best as one of the greatest talents he had ever … See more Best's "Sleep n' Eat" moniker surfaced again in the 2000 motion picture satire Bamboozled, directed by Spike Lee. In the film a "twenty-first-century minstrel show" is televised starring two African American performers, one of whom (portrayed by Tommy Davidson) … See more Willie Best appeared in more than one hundred films of the 1930s and 1940s. Although several sources state that for years he was billed only as "Sleep n' Eat", Best received credit … See more Best died on February 27, 1962, at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, California, of cancer at age 48. He was buried (by the Motion Picture Fund) on March 5, 1962, at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery. See more • Biography portal • Film portal • United States portal • See more WebHe was the first black actor to receive top billing in movies, and one of the first millionaire black actors. He spawned imitators, most notably, Willie Best (Sleep 'n Eat) and Mantan Moreland, the scared, wide-eyed manservant of Charlie Chan. In 1978 he was elected to the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.
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WebFeb 17, 2024 · So, the character portrayed by Willie Best appears to be a real aspect of the black character, or an aspect used as a part of the black experience, to survive. He … WebTop 20 best actors and actresses. Sort by: View: 50 names. 1. Sidney Poitier. Actor In the Heat of the Night. Sidney Poitier was a native of Cat Island, Bahamas, although born, … set a backup point windows 10
Michael Lerner, ‘Barton Fink’ and ‘Elf’ Actor, Dies At 81
WebJun 28, 2024 · Willie Nelson Mr. Monk shows enthusiasm for new cleaning products and Willie Nelson. He was a guest star in "Mr. Monk and the Red-Headed Stranger" as himself. The American musician, singer, … WebSep 21, 2024 · Willie Garson, the actor best known for his role as Carrie Bradshaw’s best male friend on the hit HBO series “Sex and the City,” died on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 57. His... Web2 days ago · On the road again. The outlaw country legend will have plenty of help blowing out all those candles when he celebrates during a tour stop at the Hollywood Bowl for Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90, a pair of all-star concerts April 29 and 30. He’ll be joined by a slew of disciples, including Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, 61, Chris Stapleton ... the theme of david copperfield