Willie Best was an American actor and comedian who appeared in over 100 films from the 1930s to the 1950s. He was known for his roles in movies such as The Green Pastures, The Little Colonel, and The Ghost Breakers. He was also a popular nightclub performer and a regular on the television show The Colgate Comedy Hour. However, behind his success and fame, there was a sad and painful story of racism, exploitation, and illness. This article will explore the life and death of Willie Best, one of the first African American film actors and comedians to become well known.
Early Life and Career
Willie Best was born on May 27, 1913, in Sunflower, Mississippi. He began his career in vaudeville and traveled with a show in southern California. He was discovered by a talent scout and made his film debut in Harold Lloyd’s Feet First in 1930. He was often cast in stereotypical roles, such as a servant or a comic relief character. He was also given the derogatory nickname “Sleep ‘n’ Eat” by the studios, which he hated. He later received credit under his real name or as “William Best”.
Despite the limitations and prejudices he faced, Best showed his natural talent and charisma on screen. He worked with many famous stars, such as Shirley Temple, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and W.C. Fields. He also had genuine dramatic ability, as seen in the 1940 short subject Minstrel Days, where he played an aspiring actor who wrote his own song. He was praised by his co-stars and directors for his professionalism and skill. Bob Hope referred to him as “one of the finest talents he had ever worked with” and Mitchell Leisen described him as “the most natural actor I’ve ever seen”.
Illness and Death
Unfortunately, Best’s career declined in the 1950s, as the demand for his type of roles decreased and he faced competition from younger actors. He also struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, which affected his health and reputation. He was arrested several times for vagrancy and possession of narcotics. He was also diagnosed with cancer in the late 1950s and underwent surgery.
Best died on February 27, 1962, at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, California, of cancer at age 48. He was buried at the Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood. He left behind no family or friends, and his death was barely noticed by the public or the industry. He was largely forgotten by history, until some critics and scholars began to reevaluate his work and legacy in recent years.
Conclusion
Willie Best was a talented and versatile actor and comedian who entertained millions of people with his performances. He was also a victim of racism and discrimination, which limited his opportunities and recognition. He suffered from personal and professional problems, which led to his premature death. He deserves to be remembered and honored as one of the pioneers and innovators of African American cinema. Willie Best cause of death was not only a physical ailment, but also a social injustice.
