Harry.R.(Tim) Moore
(1888 - 1958)The first black character actor on my list is also one of the best ever. I think he's my favorite television performer of all time. Although he may be quite unpopular among today's blacks, there's no denying his awesome talent. He is, of course, best known as George "Kingfish" Stevens of the "Amos 'n' Andy" radio and television series...arguably one of the best series or sitcoms ever! Without discussing the racial overtones of that fine series, I will say that I felt it portrayed a more positive image of blacks than most people claim. The show, which was brilliantly cast, ran from 1951-1953. It was eventually yanked from syndication due to protests by the NAACP. Tim Moore, as he was best known, was born in Rock Island, Illinois in 1888 the fifth of thirteen children. He quit school at age 11 and joined a touring act called "Cora Miskel and her Gold Dust Twins" which toured Europe. He also worked in a Medicine Show and tried working as a jockey and a boxer..."Young Klondike", at which he had some success. Eventually he had a long, successful career in vaudeville, appeared on Broadway in "Blackbirds", and later the black cinema before he was ever approached for his radio & TV career. He'd retired from show business prior to "Amos 'n' Andy" and was coaxed out of retirement to appear on the show. The show spawned a 1980s PBS program entitled "The Amos 'n' Andy Controversy" which dissected and critiqued the show by presenting varying points of view. Surprisingly, many prominent blacks spoke out favorably of the series, including Rev. Jesse Jackson. Among Mr. Moore's films were: "Oh Boy, What A Girl!" (1947) as Bumpsie and "His Great Chance" (1923) a silent. He died on December 13, 1958 of tuberculosis in Los Angeles, California.
From Great Character Actors, Page 1.
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