Herb Jeffries
Herb Jeffries had a 82-year career as a American Actor before passing in 2014.
American singer and actor (1913-2014)
"Herb Jeffries' most defining career moment was pioneering the all-black Western genre, starring in films like "Harlem on the Prairie" (1937) as "The Bronze Buckaroo." — About Herb Jeffries
| Metric | Herb Jeffries | Avg Actor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 100 | 53 | +47 yrs |
| Career length | 82 yrs | ~35 yrs | +47 yrs |
| Based on 4322 Actor profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Herb Jeffries
Did you know that Herb Jeffries, despite his prominent role in black cinema, was often ambiguous about his racial identity, sometimes passing as white or multi-racial?
- He was known as "The Bronze Buckaroo" for starring in all-black cast Western films in the late 1930s.
- Jeffries performed with Duke Ellington's orchestra, recording the hit song "Flamingo" in 1940.
- He famously claimed a diverse heritage, including Irish, Ethiopian, French, Italian, and Moorish, often navigating racial lines.
- During World War II, Jeffries served in the United States Army.
- He was married five times, including to famous burlesque dancer and stripper Tempest Storm.
Herb Jeffries' most defining career moment was pioneering the all-black Western genre, starring in films like "Harlem on the Prairie" (1937) as "The Bronze Buckaroo." These films provided heroic roles for black actors during a time of extreme racial segregation in Hollywood, offering a unique and empowering vision for audiences.
Jeffries left a lasting cultural impact as an early black cowboy star, breaking barriers in Hollywood and inspiring future generations. His musical contributions with Duke Ellington also solidified his place as a versatile entertainer.