Al Jolson was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Jazz Singer, Rhapsody in Blue, and Jolson Sings Again.
Personal and Family Life
Born Asa Yoelson on May 26, 1886, in Seredzius, Lithuania, Jolson came from a Jewish family. He moved to the United States with his family after several years and grew up to have a passion for performing, which began early in life as he sang alongside his brother for various events. Throughout his life, he was married four times and had three children.
Career Highlights
Jolson’s career in vaudeville gained traction when he began performing as a solo act in San Francisco. He quickly became a major Broadway star in the early 1900s, known for his energetic performances at the Winter Garden Theater. His groundbreaking role in The Jazz Singer in 1927 made him a film pioneer, as it was one of the first talking pictures.
Death and Legacy
Al Jolson passed away on October 23, 1950, in San Francisco due to a heart attack. His legacy as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer” continued to inspire many artists, such as Elvis Presley and Sammy Davis Jr., long after his death. His contributions to both theater and film have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Jazz Singer | 1929-01-01 | Jakie Rabinowitz |
| Rhapsody in Blue | 1945-06-27 | Al Jolson |
| Rose of Washington Square | 1939-05-05 | Ted Cotter |
| Hollywood Cavalcade | 1939-10-13 | Al Jolson |
| Hollywood Handicap | 1938-05-28 | Himself |
| Mammy | 1930-03-26 | Al Fuller |
| Hallelujah, I’m a Bum | 1933-02-03 | Bumper |
| Wonder Bar | 1934-03-31 | Al Wonder |
| The Singing Kid | 1936-04-10 | Al Jackson |
| New York Nights | 1929-12-28 | Al Jolson |
| Big Boy | 1930-04-27 | Gus |
| The Singing Fool | 1928-09-29 | Al Stone |
| Say It with Songs | 1929-08-05 | Joe Lane |
| Go Into Your Dance | 1935-04-20 | Al Howard |
| A Plantation Act | 1926-10-07 | Self |
| Show Girl in Hollywood | 1930-04-20 | Al Jolson |
| Swanee River | 1939-12-29 | Edwin P. Christy |
| The Golden Twenties | 1950-04-08 | Self (archive footage) |
| Jolson Sings Again | 1949-08-17 | Himself (singing voice) (uncredited) |