Charles J. Correll
Actor
About Charles J. Correll
Charles James Correll was an American radio comedian, actor, and pioneer of early entertainment media who rose to fame as one half of the legendary comedy duo Amos 'n' Andy. Born in Illinois, Correll began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to radio, where he and partner Freeman Gosden created the groundbreaking show that would become one of the most popular radio programs of the 1920s and 1930s. Correll portrayed Andy Brown, the more boastful and scheming character in the duo, while Gosden played Amos Jones. Their radio show, which debuted in 1928, revolutionized the medium with its innovative use of character voices, storytelling, and serialized comedy. The duo's success led to their only feature film appearance together in 'Check and Double Check' (1930), which brought their beloved characters to the silver screen. Despite the controversy that would later surround their use of blackface and racial stereotypes, Correll and Gosden's influence on radio comedy and American entertainment cannot be overstated. Correll continued in radio and television until his retirement, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of American popular entertainment.
The Craft
On Screen
Correll specialized in character voice work and comedic timing, creating the distinct personality of Andy Brown through vocal characterization. His style relied heavily on dialect comedy, exaggerated speech patterns, and the interplay between his character and Gosden's Amos. He mastered the art of radio performance, using only his voice to convey emotion, comedy, and character development to millions of listeners.
Milestones
- Created and performed in Amos 'n' Andy radio show (1928-1960)
- Starred in Check and Double Check (1930)
- Pioneered radio comedy techniques
- One of the highest-paid entertainers of the 1930s
- Transitioned successfully from vaudeville to radio to television
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (Radio, 6105 Hollywood Blvd.)
- Radio Hall of Fame (inducted 1988, posthumously)
Special Recognition
- Pioneers in Radio Broadcasting
- One of the most successful radio entertainers of the Golden Age
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Charles Correll, through Amos 'n' Andy, fundamentally shaped American radio comedy and entertainment culture. The show created the template for serialized comedy programs and character-driven radio entertainment that would dominate the medium for decades. Correll and Gosden's work introduced millions of Americans to radio as a source of entertainment, helping establish radio as a cultural force in American homes. Their characters became household names, with catchphrases and situations entering the American lexicon. Despite the later controversies over racial stereotypes, their technical innovations in voice acting, sound effects, and storytelling influenced countless future entertainers.
Lasting Legacy
Charles Correll's legacy is complex and multifaceted. As a technical innovator, he helped establish radio comedy as an art form and created techniques still used in voice acting today. As a performer, he created one of the most recognizable characters in American entertainment history. However, his legacy is also marked by the racial controversies surrounding Amos 'n' Andy, which led to the show's eventual removal from syndication. Modern assessments of his work recognize both his pioneering contributions to entertainment media and the problematic racial aspects of his most famous work. His influence can be seen in everything from modern sitcoms to voice acting in animation.
Who They Inspired
Correll's influence extends to multiple areas of entertainment. His voice acting techniques influenced generations of radio performers and later voice actors in animation. The serialized comedy format he helped develop became the foundation for television sitcoms. His success demonstrated the commercial viability of character-driven entertainment, paving the way for character-based shows across all media. Many comedians and voice actors, including Mel Blanc and later animated voice performers, built upon techniques that Correll helped perfect in radio.
Off Screen
Charles Correll married Alyce Ardell in 1922, and they remained together until his death in 1972. The couple had one son, Charles Correll Jr., who followed in his father's footsteps in the entertainment industry. Despite his enormous fame and wealth, Correll was known as a private family man who maintained a relatively low public profile outside of his professional work. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time at his California home when not performing.
Education
Attended local schools in Peoria, Illinois; no formal higher education known
Family
- Alyce Ardell (1922-1972)
Did You Know?
- Correll and Gosden were the first entertainers to earn $1 million annually from radio
- They performed their characters in blackface during early vaudeville appearances
- The duo never appeared together on screen after Check and Double Check
- Correll was a skilled amateur golfer who often played with celebrities
- Despite playing African American characters, neither Correll nor Gosden were Black
- Their radio show was once heard by over one-third of the American population
- Correll retired from performing in 1960 due to health issues
- The duo's contracts included clauses preventing them from appearing in public as their characters
- They donated significant portions of their earnings to charity during the Great Depression
- Correll was known for his photographic memory and ability to perform without scripts
In Their Own Words
(As Andy Brown) 'Well, I'll be doggone!'
Radio is the most intimate of all mediums - you're right there in the listener's home
We never meant to hurt anyone - we were just trying to make people laugh
The secret to good radio is painting pictures with your voice
Amos and Andy weren't just characters to us - they were our family
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charles J. Correll?
Charles J. Correll was an American radio comedian and actor best known as one half of the famous Amos 'n' Andy comedy duo. He created and performed the character of Andy Brown alongside Freeman Gosden's Amos Jones in one of the most popular radio shows of the 1920s-1950s.
What films is Charles J. Correll best known for?
Correll is best known for starring in 'Check and Double Check' (1930), which was the only feature film appearance of the Amos 'n' Andy duo. The film brought their popular radio characters to the big screen and was a commercial success.
When was Charles J. Correll born and when did he die?
Charles J. Correll was born on February 2, 1890, in Peoria, Illinois, and died on September 26, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 82.
What awards did Charles J. Correll win?
Correll received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to radio and was posthumously inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1988. He and Gosden were among the highest-paid entertainers of their era.
What was Charles J. Correll's acting style?
Correll specialized in voice acting and character comedy, creating the distinctive personality of Andy Brown through vocal characterization, comedic timing, and dialect. He pioneered techniques for radio performance that influenced generations of voice actors.
Why was Amos 'n' Andy controversial?
Amos 'n' Andy became controversial because white performers (Correll and Gosden) portrayed African American characters using racial stereotypes and dialect. During the Civil Rights era, the NAACP and other groups protested the show for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
How long did Amos 'n' Andy run on radio?
Amos 'n' Andy ran on radio from 1928 to 1960, making it one of the longest-running comedy shows in radio history. At its peak, it was heard by more than one-third of the American population.
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Films
1 film
