Ernest Anderson was born in Lynn MA and earned his high school diploma in Washington D.C. at Dunbar High School, formerly named The Preparatory High School for Colored Youth. Founded in 1891, it was America's first public high school for black students. He earned his bachelor's degree at Northwestern University's School of Drama and Speech. He moved to Hollywood and was working in the service department when Bette Davis arranged for him to interview for the role of Perry Clay in the film "In This Our Life" (1942). Mr. Anderson persuaded the director, John Huston, to change the racist dialog of his character typical of Hollywood in that era, to one of dignified intelligence and emotion. After serving his country in WWII, he returned to Warner Brothers where he continued to humanize the roles of America's black performers. He remained active in film until the late 1960's. He died in DeLand, Florida, on March 5, 2011.
1978
as Uncle Stan
1970
as Homer
1962
as Ernie
1959
as Porter on Twentieth Century Ltd. (uncredited)
1952
as Riverboat Cabin Boy
1952
as George
1952
as Fred Johnson
1951
as Ralph Crawford
1950
as School Teacher (uncredited)
1950
as Footman
1950
as James - Party Servant 9 (uncredited)
1949
1947
as Wong - Houseboy (uncredited)
1947
as Alf
1947
as Robert
1946
as Dining Car Waiter (uncredited)
1945
1943
as Messenger (uncredited)
1942
as Parry Clay
1911
as Hans