Bert Williams
(1874-1922), Actor, dancer, singer and comedianEgbert Austin ('Bert') Williams
Sitter in 3 portraits
Born in Nassau, the Bahamas, Williams emigrated with his family to Florida in 1885. In 1893 he joined Martin and Seig's Mastodon Minstrels where he met George Walker. As 'Williams and Walker', their comedy Vaudeville act helped popularise the 'cakewalk' dance by introducing it into various shows in which they appeared. The pair "blacked up" to conform to racist theatrical stereotypes of the time. Already one of the leading comedians in the country, with the production of In Dahomey, 'Williams and Walker' became the first internationally recognised black stars in American entertainment, paving the way for other African-American's to enter the world of American show business. Later Williams pursued a successful solo stage career.
by Cavendish Morton
platinotype print, 1903
NPG x126389
Bert Williams as Shylock Homestead in 'In Dahomey'
by Cavendish Morton
platinotype print, 1903
NPG x126395
Bert Williams as Shylock Homestead in 'In Dahomey'
by Cavendish Morton
platinotype print, 1903
NPG x126396
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Jason Narvy
15 April 2020, 22:01
Williams was a pioneer African American entertainer. He went on to lead the Ziegfeld Follies along side (and billed above) such luminaries as Will Rogers, Fanny Brice, Eddie Cantor, W.C. Fields., and George Gershwin.