Stepin Fetchit

Biography

Stepin Fetchit (1902–1985) was an American comedian and actor.

His Fetchit persona parlayed into a successful film career, eventually becoming the first black actor to become a millionaire. He was also the first black actor to receive screen credit.

Stepin Fetchit typical film persona and stage name have long been controversial, and seen as illustrative of negative stereotypes of Negroes. However, a newer interpretation of his film persona contends he was ultimately subversive of the status quo.

Known For

Miracle in Harlem

'Swifty', the Handyman

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

Self (archive footage)

Bend of the River

Adam

Judge Priest

Jeff Poindexter

a.k.a. Cassius Clay

Self

The Sun Shines Bright

Jeff Poindexter

Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood

Dancing Butler

Filmography

Year	Movie	Role
1976	Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood	Dancing Butler
1975	Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?	Self (archive footage)
1974	Amazing Grace	Cousin Lincoln
1972	Cutter	Shoeshine Man
1970	a.k.a. Cassius Clay	Self
1968	Inquiring Nuns	Self
1953	The Sun Shines Bright	Jeff Poindexter
1952	Bend of the River	Adam
1950	Harlem Follies of 1949
1948	Miracle in Harlem	'Swifty', the Handyman
1946	Baby Don't Go Away from Me
1946	Broadway and Main	Janitor
1945	Big Timers
1942	Thru Different Eyes	Janitor
1939	Zenobia	Zero
1938	His Exciting Night	Casper
1937	On the Avenue	Herman
1937	Love Is News	Penrod
1937	Fifty Roads to Town	Percy
1936	Dimples	Cicero
1936	36 Hours to Kill	Flash - Pullman Porter
1935	Charlie Chan in Egypt	Snowshoes
1935	Helldorado	Ulysses
1935	One More Spring	Zoo Attendant
1935	Steamboat Round the Bend	Jonah
1935	The Virginia Judge	Spasm Johnson
1935	Hot Tip	Cook
1934	Judge Priest	Jeff Poindexter
1934	Carolina	Scipio
1934	David Harum	Sylvester
1934	The World Moves On	Dixie
1934	Marie Galante	Waiter in Pacific Gardens
1934	Stand Up and Cheer!	Stepin Fetchit
1933	Slow Poke	Stepin
1931	Neck and Neck	The Hustler
1931	Wild Horse	Stepin
1931	The Galloping Ghost	Baxter College Locker Room Attendant
1931	The Prodigal	Hokey
1930	Face of Desire
1930	The Big Fight	Spot
1930	Swing High	Sam
1930	A Tough Winter	Himself
1930	Cameo Kirby	Croup
1929	Salute	Smoke Screen
1929	Hearts in Dixie	Gummy
1929	Fox Movietone Follies of 1929	Swifty
1929	Show Boat	Joe
1929	Thru Different Eyes	Janitor
1929	Big Time	Eli
1929	The Ghost Talks	Christopher Lee
1928	The Devil's Skipper	Slave's Husband
1928	The Tragedy of Youth	Porter
1927	In Old Kentucky	Highpockets
1925	The Mysterious Stranger

Year	TV Show	Role
1957	Tonight Starring Jack Paar	Self