Rex Ingram (actor)

:This article is about the actor. See also Rex Ingram (director).

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Rex Ingram (October 20, 1895 - September 19, 1969) was an African American film and stage actor. Born near Cairo, Illinois he claimed to have obtained a medical degree from Northwestern University in 1919 and was a Phi Beta Kappa, this is not confirmable.

Related Topics:
October 20 - 1895 - September 19 - 1969 - African American - Actor - Cairo, Illinois - Northwestern University - Phi Beta Kappa

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He first appeared in film in 1918 and had many small roles, usually as a generic black native, such as in Tarzan films. With the arrival of sound his presence and powerful voice became an asset and he went on to memorable roles in Green Pastures (1936), Huckleberry Finn (1939), The Thief of Bagdad (1940) and Sahara (1943). From 1929 he also appeared on stage, making his debut on Broadway.

Related Topics:
Tarzan - Green Pastures

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In 1948 Ingram was arrested for violating the Mann Act and, pleading guilty, he was sentenced to 18 months. He served ten months and the incident had a serious impact on his career.

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In 1962 he became the first African American actor to be hired for a contract role on a soap opera, when he appeared on The Brighter Day.

Related Topics:
1962 - The Brighter Day

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On his passing in 1969, Rex Ingram was interred in the Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Related Topics:
Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery - Los Angeles

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