Willie Best
William “Willie” Best (May 27, 1916 - February 27, 1962), sometimes known as “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 because he was often called upon to play stereotypically lazy, illiterate, and/or...
William “Willie” Best (May 27, 1916 - February 27, 1962), sometimes known as “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 because he was often called upon to play stereotypically lazy, illiterate, and/or...
Known For
Cast Credits
Bob Hope's World of Comedy
as Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)
Meet the O'Briens
as Willie
Ellis in Freedomland
as Male Model
South of Caliente
as Willie, Stable Boy
The Shanghai Chest
as Willie Best
Half Past Midnight
as Andy Jones
The Red Stallion
as Jackson
Suddenly It's Spring
as Porter on Train
Dangerous Money
as Chattanooga Brown
The Bride Wore Boots
as Joe
The Face of Marble
as Shadrach
She Wouldn't Say Yes
as Porter (uncredited)
Hold That Blonde!
as Willie Shelley
The Red Dragon
as Chattanooga Brown
Pillow to Post
as Lucille, Colonial Auto Court Porter
The Monster and the Ape
as Flash
Music for Millions
as Red Cap (uncredited)
The Mark of the Whistler
as Men's Room Attendant (uncredited)
The Girl Who Dared
as Woodrow
The Adventures of Mark Twain
as Butler
Home in Indiana
as Mo' Rum (uncredited)
Thank Your Lucky Stars
as Soldier in "Ice Cold Katie" Number (uncredited)
The Kansan
as Bones
Dixie
as Steward (uncredited)
Cabin in the Sky
as Second Idea Man
Cinderella Swings It
as Hipp
The Powers Girl
as Men's Room Attendant (uncredited)
The Hidden Hand
as Eustis, the chauffeur
Busses Roar
as Sunshine