Noble Johnson
Actor
About Noble Johnson
Noble Johnson was a pioneering African American actor and film producer who broke racial barriers in early Hollywood, appearing in over 150 films during his career from 1915 to 1950. Born in 1881 in Marshall, Missouri, Johnson began his film career in the silent era and quickly became one of the most recognizable Black actors of his time, often playing diverse ethnic roles due to Hollywood's limited casting opportunities for African Americans. In 1916, he co-founded the Lincoln Motion Picture Company, one of the first film production companies owned and operated by African Americans, which produced films specifically for Black audiences. Johnson's imposing physique and versatile acting skills allowed him to work consistently in major Hollywood productions, often appearing alongside stars like Douglas Fairbanks, Lon Chaney, and Buster Keaton. Despite the racial constraints of the era, he managed to build an impressive career spanning both silent films and early talkies, appearing in classics such as 'The Ten Commandments,' 'The Thief of Bagdad,' and 'King Kong.' His later career saw him transition to character roles in Westerns and adventure films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Johnson retired from acting in 1950, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prolific and influential Black actors of early cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Johnson was known for his commanding screen presence and versatility, able to portray a wide range of characters despite the racial limitations of his era. His athletic build and expressive features made him particularly effective in action sequences and dramatic roles. He developed a reputation for professionalism and reliability, allowing him to work consistently across multiple studios and genres. Johnson often had to adapt his acting style to play various ethnicities, a common practice for Black actors of the period, though he brought dignity and depth to every role regardless of the character's background.
Milestones
- Co-founded Lincoln Motion Picture Company (1916)
- Appeared in Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Ten Commandments' (1923)
- Starred in Douglas Fairbanks' 'The Thief of Bagdad' (1924)
- Worked with Buster Keaton in 'The Navigator' (1924)
- Appeared in Merian C. Cooper's 'King Kong' (1933)
- Became one of the most prolific Black actors in Hollywood with 150+ film credits
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (1975)
- Recognized as a pioneering figure in African American cinema
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Noble Johnson's career represents a significant chapter in African American cinema history, as he successfully navigated the racially restrictive Hollywood system of the early 20th century. His co-founding of the Lincoln Motion Picture Company in 1916 was a revolutionary act that provided opportunities for Black actors and created films specifically for African American audiences, challenging the industry's exclusionary practices. Johnson's ability to maintain a steady career in mainstream Hollywood while also creating independent Black cinema demonstrated remarkable resilience and entrepreneurship. His presence in major Hollywood films helped normalize the appearance of Black actors in cinema, even if often in stereotypical roles, paving the way for future generations. Johnson's work with Lincoln Motion Picture Company produced films like 'The Realization of a Negro's Ambition' (1916), which presented positive images of African Americans rarely seen in mainstream cinema of the era.
Lasting Legacy
Noble Johnson's legacy endures as one of the most important figures in early African American cinema history. He is remembered both for his prolific acting career in mainstream Hollywood and his pioneering efforts in Black independent filmmaking. The Lincoln Motion Picture Company, which he co-founded, stands as a testament to early Black entrepreneurship in the film industry and inspired future generations of Black filmmakers. Johnson's filmography serves as a valuable historical record of the representation of African Americans in early cinema. His ability to work across multiple genres and maintain a successful career for over three decades during a period of extreme racial discrimination demonstrates his exceptional talent and determination. Today, film historians recognize Johnson as a trailblazer who opened doors for future African American actors and filmmakers.
Who They Inspired
Johnson influenced subsequent generations of African American actors by demonstrating that Black performers could have lasting careers in Hollywood despite systemic barriers. His work with Lincoln Motion Picture Company inspired later Black-owned production companies and filmmakers. Actors like Paul Robeson, Lena Horne, and Sidney Poitier built upon the foundation that Johnson helped establish. Johnson's professionalism and business acumen set a standard for Black performers in the industry, showing that success required both artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit. His ability to navigate the complex racial dynamics of early Hollywood provided a blueprint for future Black actors seeking to maintain their dignity while working within a discriminatory system.
Off Screen
Noble Johnson was married to Cleoma M. Johnson from 1915 until her death. He was the brother of actor Bubbles Johnson, who also appeared in several films. Johnson was known for his business acumen in addition to his acting talents, which helped him establish the Lincoln Motion Picture Company. He maintained a reputation as a respected professional in Hollywood despite facing racial discrimination throughout his career. After retiring from film, Johnson lived a quiet life in Southern California until his death at age 96.
Education
Limited information available, but he attended public schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado during his youth
Family
- Cleoma M. Johnson (1915-1960s)
Did You Know?
- Co-founded Lincoln Motion Picture Company in 1916 with his brother George Johnson
- Was a member of the exclusive Los Angeles Athletic Club, unusual for an African American at the time
- Served in the U.S. Army during World War I
- Often played Native American, Asian, and Arab characters due to limited roles for Black actors
- Stood 6'2" tall with an athletic build that helped him secure physically demanding roles
- Was one of the few African American actors to become a member of the Screen Actors Guild in its early years
- His Lincoln Motion Picture Company produced five films before closing in 1921
- Appeared in both the 1923 and 1956 versions of 'The Ten Commandments' (though uncredited in the latter)
- Was a skilled horseman, which helped him secure roles in Westerns
- Worked as a real estate investor during his later years
In Their Own Words
We must make our own pictures and present our own people as we know them to be - not as others would have the world believe us to be.
In this business, you have to be twice as good to get half the recognition, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Noble Johnson?
Noble Johnson was a pioneering African American actor and film producer who worked in Hollywood from 1915 to 1950, appearing in over 150 films and co-founding the Lincoln Motion Picture Company, one of the first Black-owned film production companies.
What films is Noble Johnson best known for?
Johnson is best known for his roles in classic films including 'The Ten Commandments' (1923), 'The Thief of Bagdad' (1924), 'The Navigator' (1924), 'King Kong' (1933), and 'The Most Dangerous Game' (1932).
When was Noble Johnson born and when did he die?
Noble Johnson was born on April 18, 1881, in Marshall, Missouri, and died on January 9, 1978, in Yucaipa, California, at the age of 96.
What was the Lincoln Motion Picture Company?
The Lincoln Motion Picture Company was a film production company co-founded by Noble Johnson in 1916 that produced films specifically for African American audiences, one of the first of its kind in the United States.
How many films did Noble Johnson appear in?
Noble Johnson appeared in more than 150 films throughout his career, making him one of the most prolific African American actors of the silent and early sound era.
What types of roles did Noble Johnson typically play?
Due to Hollywood's racial limitations, Johnson often played various ethnic roles including Native Americans, Arabs, Asians, and African tribal leaders, though he brought dignity and depth to every character regardless of background.
What was Noble Johnson's impact on African American cinema?
Johnson was a trailblazer who helped open doors for future Black actors and filmmakers, both through his mainstream Hollywood career and his pioneering work in independent Black cinema with the Lincoln Motion Picture Company.
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Films
7 films
