Johnny Lee

Born: 1898-07-04

John Dotson Lee Jr. (July 4, 1898 – December 12, 1965) was an American singer, dancer, and actor known for voicing the role of Br'er Rabbit in Disney's Song of the South (1946) and as the clownish, cringing, tremulous-voiced shyster pseudo-lawyer Algonquin J. Calhoun in the CBS Amos 'n' Andy TV and radio comedy series in the early 1950s. His comedic portrayal of Calhoun was a highlight of a brilliant ensemble cast whose storylines remain eternally funny. Much of his career was spent in vaudeville, but he also performed in motion pictures, on recordings, and on television. He released a record (as "Johnnie Lee") in July 1949 called "You Can't Lose A Broken Heart" (Columbia Records # 30172), with backup vocals by The Ebonaires. Lee also starred in an all-black musical comedy called "Sugar Hill" in 1949 at Las Palmas Theatre in California. He died of a heart attack on December 12, 1965 age 67.


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Song of the South

as Br'er Rabbit (voice)
Released: 1946-11-12

Uncle Remus draws upon his tales of Br'er Rabbit to help little Johnny deal with his confusion...

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The Spirit of St. Louis

as Jess - Cook at Louie's Shack (uncredited)
Released: 1957-04-01

Charles Lindbergh struggles to finance and design an airplane that will make his 1927 New York...

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North to Alaska

as Coachman
Released: 1960-11-07

After striking gold in Alaska, the romantic George sends his womanizing partner Sam to bring his...

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Stormy Weather

as Lyles (uncredited)
Released: 1943-07-21

The relationship between an aspiring dancer and a popular songstress provides a retrospective of...

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The Rat Race

as Janitor (uncredited)
Released: 1960-07-10

An aspiring musician arrives in New York in search of fame and fortune. He soon meets a taxi...

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The First Traveling Saleslady

as Amos
Released: 1956-08-01

At the turn of the century Rose and ex-showbiz friend Molly get involved in selling steel. When...

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Come On, Cowboy!

as uncredited
Released: 1949-01-01

Mr. Wilson hires Mantan to travel out West and clean out an old property. Mantan runs into...

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The Black King

as Count of Zanzibar
Released: 1932-03-15

A confident and unscrupulous minister begins a 'back to Africa' movement, proclaiming himself...

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Return of Mandy's Husband

as Johnny
Released: 1947-05-22

In order to make some cash, buddies Mantan and Alex found the "Ghost Association," which will...

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She's Too Mean for Me

as uncredited
Released: 1948-08-23

Mantan Moreland's comedy feature.

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Amos 'n' Andy

as Algonquin J. Calhoun
First aired: 1951-06-28

A sitcom set in Manhattan's historic black community of Harlem.

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