Lennie Bluett was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Gone with the Wind,” “Cabin in the Sky,” and “Stormy Weather.”
Personal and Family Life
Lennie Bluett was born on January 21, 1919, in Los Angeles, California. He had a diverse background in the entertainment industry, working as a singer, dancer, and pianist. His mother was a cook for Humphrey Bogart, and his father was a chauffeur for Buster Keaton. Lennie was married to Justine “Lovey” Shaw Akers from May 30, 1959, until her death on September 3, 2007, and they had one child together.
Career Highlights
Lennie graduated from Manual Arts High School and began his career in the film industry by getting a role as an extra in the classic film “Gone with the Wind” in 1938. He was a talented pianist and even auditioned for a role in “Casablanca,” but he was deemed too young for the part. He found success performing in all-Black films and working in various venues, including playing piano on cruise ships.
Death and Legacy
Lennie Bluett passed away on January 1, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to the film industry and his performances in numerous films have left a lasting impact on the entertainment world. He remained active in his artistic pursuits well into his nineties, showcasing his passion and dedication to music and performance.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Gone with the Wind | 1939-03-12 | Yankee Soldier in Shantytown / Townsperson (uncredited) |
| Cabin in the Sky | 1943-04-09 | Dancer / Jim Henry’s Paradise Patron (uncredited) |
| Stormy Weather | 1943-07-21 | Dancer / Nightclub Patron (uncredited) |
| A Star Is Born | 1954-10-01 | Dancer (uncredited) |
| When Strangers Marry | 1944-08-21 | Dancer at Big Jims (uncredited) |
| Thank Your Lucky Stars | 1943-09-25 | Dancer in “Ice Cold Katie” Number (uncredited) |