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.
1978Last of the Good Guys as Uncle Stan
1970Tick... Tick... Tick... as Homer
1968The Legend of Lylah Clare as Hot Dog Man (uncredited)
1962What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? as Ernie
1959North by Northwest as Porter on Twentieth Century Ltd. (uncredited)
1953The Mississippi Gambler as Bellhop (uncredited)
1952The Iron Mistress as Riverboat Cabin Boy
1952Four Star Playhouse (1 Episode) as George
1952Three for Bedroom C as Fred Johnson
1951The Well as Ralph Crawford
1950No Way Out as School Teacher (uncredited)
1950Buccaneer's Girl as Footman
1950Backfire as James - Party Servant 9 (uncredited)
1949East Side, West Side as Unknown
1947Riff-Raff as Wong - Houseboy (uncredited)
1947Sport of Kings as Alf
1947The Peanut Man as Robert
1946Without Reservations as Dining Car Waiter (uncredited)
1945Lady on a Train as Unknown
1943Princess O'Rourke as Messenger (uncredited)
1942In This Our Life as Parry Clay
1911Lost in the Jungle as Hans