- Born
- Died
- Birth nameJames Johnson Edwards
- Nickname
- Jimmy
- Height6′ 1″ (1.85 m)
- Pioneering actor who was among Hollywood's first - years ahead of Sidney Poitier - to crush the Stepin Fetchit stereotype of black males as shiftless illiterates. Although in some pictures Edwards would portray subservient characters (e.g. "General" George C. Scott's valet in Patton (1970)), he delivered true dignity in his performances. He is especially remembered for his leading role in Home of the Brave (1949).
- IMDb mini biography by: Bill Takacs <kinephile@aol.com>
- SpouseEverdinne Wilson(January 29, 1961 - January 4, 1970) (his death, 1 child)
- ChildrenEugia Edwards
- ParentsJames Valley EdwardsAnna Edwards
- Playing Proud Characters With A Smooth, Rich-Sounding Voice
- Died before the release of his last three films, including Patton (1970).
- When Dorothy Dandridge read for the title role in Carmen Jones (1954), Edwards read the part of Joe, although he was not considered for the role.
- First black actor to play the role of a fighter pilot in a film. This was for Battle Hymn (1957). The next time a black actor played a fighter pilot was in Iron Eagle (1986) with Louis Gossett Jr..
- Served in the United States Army during World War II.
- Father James Valley Edwards was a laborer and religion instructor. Mother Annie Mae Johnson was a Baptist minister.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
