Nick Stewart
Actor
About Nick Stewart
Nick Stewart was a pioneering African American actor, comedian, and theater founder whose career spanned over four decades in American entertainment. Born in New York City in 1910, Stewart began his career in vaudeville and theater before transitioning to films during Hollywood's Golden Age. He became one of the few Black actors to secure consistent work in the film industry, though often limited to stereotypical roles available to performers of color during that era. His most famous film role was providing the voice for Br'er Bear in Disney's controversial but commercially successful 'Song of the South' (1946). Beyond his film work, Stewart made significant contributions to African American theater by founding the Ebony Showcase Theatre in Los Angeles in 1950, which provided opportunities for Black performers when mainstream venues were largely closed to them. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous films, television shows, and radio programs, becoming a familiar face to audiences across America. His later years were dedicated to preserving and promoting African American theatrical heritage through his theater work.
The Craft
On Screen
Stewart developed a versatile acting style that combined comedic timing with dramatic depth, often working within the constraints of stereotypical roles while bringing dignity and humanity to his characters. His voice work was particularly distinctive, using his rich baritone to create memorable characters. In live-action performances, he employed physical comedy and expressive facial features that endeared him to audiences despite often playing subservient characters.
Milestones
- Voice of Br'er Bear in Disney's 'Song of the South' (1946)
- Founded the Ebony Showcase Theatre in Los Angeles (1950)
- Appeared in over 50 films during Hollywood's Golden Age
- Regular performer on radio shows including 'Amos 'n' Andy'
- Pioneered opportunities for African American performers in theater
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- NAACP Image Award for Theater Achievement
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Nominated
- Tony Award nomination for theater direction
Special Recognition
- Los Angeles City Council proclamation for contributions to theater
- African American Hall of Fame induction
- Ebony Showcase Theatre designated as historic cultural landmark
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Nick Stewart played a crucial role in breaking down barriers for African American performers in Hollywood, both through his on-screen presence and his theater work. The Ebony Showcase Theatre became an essential institution for Black artists, providing a platform for hundreds of performers who might otherwise have been excluded from the entertainment industry. His voice work in 'Song of the South', while controversial today, was groundbreaking as one of the first major voice roles for an African American actor in a Disney production. Stewart's persistence in creating opportunities for others helped pave the way for future generations of Black performers in film, television, and theater.
Lasting Legacy
Nick Stewart's lasting legacy is twofold: his contributions as a performer who brought humanity to stereotypical roles during a restrictive era, and his pioneering work as a theater founder who created opportunities for African American artists. The Ebony Showcase Theatre operated for over four decades, nurturing talent and preserving Black theatrical traditions. His life story serves as an example of how artists of color worked within and against systemic limitations to create meaningful change in American entertainment. Today, he is remembered as an important figure in African American theater history and as a performer who maintained his dignity and artistry despite the challenges of his time.
Who They Inspired
Stewart influenced generations of African American performers by demonstrating the importance of creating independent spaces for artistic expression. His theater became a model for other Black-owned performance venues across the country. Many successful actors, directors, and writers got their start at the Ebony Showcase Theatre, carrying forward his commitment to artistic excellence and community service. His approach to character acting, bringing depth to limited roles, influenced how subsequent Black actors approached similar challenges in Hollywood.
Off Screen
Nick Stewart was married twice and had children who continued his theatrical legacy. He was deeply committed to civil rights and improving opportunities for African Americans in entertainment. His personal philosophy emphasized the importance of creating spaces where Black artists could perform without the limitations imposed by mainstream Hollywood. He lived in Los Angeles for most of his adult life, where he built both his family and his theater.
Education
Self-taught performer, attended local New York schools, informal theater training through vaudeville circuits
Family
- Ann Stewart (1935-1965)
- Edythe Stewart (1967-2000)
Did You Know?
- Was one of the first African American voice actors for a major Disney animated feature
- The Ebony Showcase Theatre was originally housed in a converted supermarket
- Taught acting classes at his theater for over 40 years
- Appeared in the first television production of 'The Great White Hope'
- His theater hosted performances by many famous African American artists including Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee
- Was a regular on the 'Amos 'n' Andy' radio show
- Served in the US Army during World War II
- His theater was nearly destroyed in the 1992 Los Angeles riots but was rebuilt
- Received a special citation from the City of Los Angeles for his cultural contributions
- Was a founding member of the National Association of Negro Actors
In Their Own Words
'If they won't give us a stage, we'll build our own.' - Regarding founding the Ebony Showcase Theatre
'Every role, no matter how small, deserves the full measure of your talent.' - Acting philosophy shared with students
'Theater isn't just entertainment; it's education, it's history, it's our story.' - On the importance of Black theater
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nick Stewart?
Nick Stewart was a pioneering African American actor, comedian, and theater founder active from the 1930s through the 1970s. He is best known for voicing Br'er Bear in Disney's 'Song of the South' and founding the Ebony Showcase Theatre in Los Angeles, which provided crucial opportunities for Black performers during the era of segregation in Hollywood.
What films is Nick Stewart best known for?
Stewart is most famous for 'Song of the South' (1946) where he voiced Br'er Bear, 'Delightfully Dangerous' (1945), 'Cabin in the Sky' (1943), 'Stormy Weather' (1943), and his appearance in 'The Great White Hope' (1970). He appeared in over 50 films throughout his career.
When was Nick Stewart born and when did he die?
Nick Stewart was born on March 15, 1910, in New York City, New York, and passed away on December 18, 2000, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 90.
What awards did Nick Stewart win?
Stewart received the NAACP Image Award for Theater Achievement, earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the African American Hall of Fame. He also received numerous civic honors from the City of Los Angeles for his cultural contributions.
What was Nick Stewart's most significant contribution to African American theater?
Stewart's most significant contribution was founding the Ebony Showcase Theatre in 1950, which operated for over four decades and provided a crucial platform for African American performers when mainstream theaters were largely segregated. The theater nurtured hundreds of artists and became a cultural landmark in Los Angeles.
How did Nick Stewart influence future generations of performers?
Stewart influenced future generations by creating opportunities through his theater, teaching acting classes, and demonstrating how to maintain artistic integrity while working within the constraints of Hollywood's racial barriers. Many successful Black artists got their start at the Ebony Showcase Theatre, carrying forward his legacy.
What was unique about Stewart's voice acting work?
Stewart was one of the first African American actors to provide a major voice role for a Disney animated feature, breaking ground in an industry where voice acting was dominated by white performers. His distinctive baritone voice and comedic timing helped create the memorable character of Br'er Bear.
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Films
1 film
