A Touch of Disney in Black History – Roy E. Glenn, Sr.
Photo Credit: genuineKansas.com
Roy E. Glenn, Sr. was an African-American character actor. His career began in radio with shows such as Amos ‘n Andy. Mr. Glenn’s first appearance was in Kelly the Second in 1956. He also made an appearance in A Raisin in the Sun with Sidney Poitier. Mr. Glenn’s only Disney role was Br’er Frog in Song of the South.
A Touch of Disney in Black History – Bill Cobbs
Photo Credit: aveleyman.com
Bill Cobbs is an African-American television and film actor. He starred in television programs and movies. He made his film debut in 1974 in Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Mr. Cobbs appeared in the television programs Yes Dear, The Others, and JAG. Mr. Cobbs’ tie to Disney was he played Arthur Chaney, a basketball coach and retired basketball player, in Disney’s Air Bud.
Disney Behind the Scenes – Dennis Haysbert
Photo Credit: cbs.com
Dennis Haysbert is an African-American film and television actor. Mr. Haysbert is known from portraying baseball player Pedro Cerrano in the Major League film trilogy and President David Palmer on the television series 24. He is recognized today for his work in the Allstate Insurance commercials. Mr. Haysbert ties to Disney will be seen in the upcoming Disney Film Wreck-It Ralph set to be released in the Fall of 2012. He will voice the character General Hologram.
Disney Behind The Scenes – Jason Weaver
Photo Credit: Trialx.com
Jason Michael Weaver (1979-Present) is an actor and singer. He is known for his television roles as the pre-teen Michael Jackson in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream and Marcus Henderson on the sitcom Smart Guy. Mr. Weaver provided the singing voice for Simba as a cub in the 1994 Disney movie The Lion King.
Disney Behind The Scenes – Keith David
- Photo Credit: madamenoire.com
Keith David is a voice actor who has worked on several Disney films and series.
Some of his work includes:
- Goliath in Gargoyles cartoon series
- Mufasa in House of Mouse cartoon series
- Apollo in Hercules
- Tublat in The Legend of Tarzan cartoon series
- Doctor Facilier in The Princess and the Frog
A Touch of Disney in Black History- James Baskett
Photo Credit: disney.wikia.com
James Baskett was an African-American actor who was cast as Uncle Remus in Disney’s 1946 feature Song of the South and introduced us to that famous song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”. Mr. Baskett originally auditioned for a small role voicing one of the animals. Walt Disney was impressed by his audition and cast him in the lead role of Uncle Remus. Mr. Baskett was also the voice of Brer Fox and even filled in as the voice of Brer Rabbit in one sequence. Due to Atlanta being racially segregated by law at the time, Mr. Baskett was unable to attend the film’s premiere. On March 20, 1948, Mr. Baskett received an Honorary Academy Award for his performance. Mr. Baskett died as a result of heart disease on July 9, 1948. Song of the South has been unavailable for several years because of the portrayals by African-Americans.
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