James Baskett (February 16, 1904 – July 9, 1948) was an American actor known for his portrayal of Uncle Remus, singing the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" in the 1946 Disney feature film Song of the South. In recognition of his warm portrayal of the famous black storyteller he was given an Honorary Academy Award, making him the very first black male performer to receive an Oscar.
Is one of two Disney stars buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bill Shirley, who played Prince Charming in Sleeping Beauty is the other. However, James Baskett is buried in a grave, and Bill Shirley is buried in the main mausoleum. There is a special plaque marking James Baskett's grave that talks about his role in Song of the South.
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The first actor to win an Academy Award (although an honorary one) for his performance in a Walt Disney film.
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Buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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His father John Baskett owned a barber shop in Indianapolis.
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He did not attend the premiere of "Song of the South" in Atlanta because as an African American he would not have been allowed to participate in any of the festivities in that racially segregated city.
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His portrayal of Uncle Remus in "Song of the South" was the crowning achievement of his career, for which he won an honorary Academy Award. Ironically, his performance cannot be seen in its entirety in the United States, as the Walt Disney Co. will not release the entire film on the home video market because of the controversial nature of the film, which was denounced as racist by the NAACP when it was premiered in 1946. A further irony is that the NAACP now has no public stance on the film.
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Well-known old-time radio performer, especially for the role of "Gabby Gibson" on the Amos 'n' Andy Show.
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First African-American male actor to be awarded an Academy Award.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Heavenly Body
1944
Porter (uncredited)
Revenge of the Zombies
1943
Lazarus
Dumbo
1941
Crow (voice, unconfirmed, uncredited)
Comes Midnight
1940
as James Baskette
Straight to Heaven
1939
First Detective
Policy Man
1938
as Jimmie Baskette
Gone Harlem
1938
as Jimmie Baskette
20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang
1933
Short
Vocalist (uncredited)
Harlem Is Heaven
1932
Money Johnson (as Jimmy Baskette)
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Welcome to the Basement
2012
TV Series performer - 1 episode
The Music of Disney: A Legacy in Song
1992
Video documentary performer: "Zip-A-Dee-Do-Da", "Everybody's Got a Laughing Place"
One Hour in Wonderland
1950
TV Special performer: "Zip-a-dee Doo-Dah" - uncredited
Song of the South
1946
performer: "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah", "Everybody's Got a Laughing Place", "How Do You Do?" uncredited, "Who Wants To Live Like That?" uncredited, "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Reprise"
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
Welcome to the Basement
2012
TV Series
Uncle Remus / Br'er Rabbit / Br'er Fox
Saturday Night Live
2006
TV Series
Uncle Remus
Disney Sing-Along-Songs: Friend Like Me
1993
Video short
Uncle Remus
Disney Sing-Along-Songs: You Can Fly
1988
Video short
Crow (unconfirmed)
Disney Sing-Along-Songs: Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah
1986
Video short
Uncle Remus
Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color
1956
TV Series
Br'er Fox
Won Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
1948
Honorary Award
Academy Awards, USA
Song of the South (1946)
Known for movies
Song of the South (1946) as Uncle Remus / Br'er Fox (Voice)
$1.3 Million
