James Baskett

James Baskett

Known for

Acting

Born

February 16, 1904

Birthplace

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Died

July 9, 1948 (aged 44)

Biography

James Franklin Baskett (February 16, 1904 – July 9, 1948) was an American actor who portrayed Uncle Remus, singing the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" in the 1946 Disney feature film Song of the South.

In recognition of his portrayal of Remus, he was given an Honorary Academy Award in 1948, making him the first Black male performer to receive an Oscar.

Best known work

Dumbo
Dumbo
1941
Song of the South
Song of the South
1946
Revenge of the Zombies
Revenge of the Zombies
1943
The Heavenly Body
The Heavenly Body
1944
20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang
20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang
1933
Harlem Is Heaven
Harlem Is Heaven
1932
Comes Midnight
Comes Midnight
1940
Gone Harlem
Gone Harlem
1938
Policy Man
Policy Man
1938
Straight to Heaven
Straight to Heaven
1939

Filmography

  1. 2024

    Walt Disney: Behind the Magic

    as Self (archive footage)

  2. 1946

    Song of the South

    as Uncle Remus / Br'er Fox (voice)

  3. 1944

    The Heavenly Body

    as Porter (uncredited)

  4. 1943

    Revenge of the Zombies

    as Lazarus

  5. 1941

    Dumbo

    as Fats Crow (voice) (uncredited)

  6. 1940

    Comes Midnight

  7. 1939

    Straight to Heaven

    as First Detective

  8. 1938

    Gone Harlem

  9. 1938

    Policy Man

    as Jimmie

  10. 1933

    20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang

  11. 1932

    Harlem Is Heaven
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