Canada Lee
Canada Lee was a renowned actor known for his role in the groundbreaking play Anna Lucasta on Broadway.
Movie Actor
March 3, 1907
Pisces
May 09, 1952
45
New York City, New York, United States
Canada Lee (1907-1952) was a renowned American actor and boxer, most recognized for his role in the 1949 film noir, “The Set-Up.” He also starred in prominent films such as “Lifeboat” and “Body and Soul.” As a civil rights activist, Lee co-founded the American Negro Theatre in the 1940s. Unfortunately, he was blacklisted during the McCarthy era due to his activism and passed away at 45.
Lee began his career as a professional boxer at 19, quickly becoming an audience favorite. He later transitioned to acting, making his debut with the WPA’s Federal Theater Project in Harlem. His portrayal of Banquo in Orson Welles’ all-black production of “Macbeth” in 1936 received critical acclaim. Although The New York Times once hailed him as “the greatest Negro actor of his day,” Lee’s contributions have been largely overlooked in recent history.
An interesting aspect of Canada Lee’s career is his role as Danny in the first non-black written play performed by an all-black cast on Broadway, “Anna Lucasta,” in 1944.
