Background
Lee, Canada was born on March 3, 1907 in New York City. Son of James Cornelius and Lydia (Whaley) C.
Lee, Canada was born on March 3, 1907 in New York City. Son of James Cornelius and Lydia (Whaley) C.
Student in public schools, New York City.
1 son, Carl Vincent; divorced January 1942. Married second Frances Pollack, March 1951. Studied violin, age 7 to 14.
Ran away to become jockey, at 14.
Rode until 16, then exercised horses until 18. Went into boxing at 19.
Won Metropolitan Inter-city and Junior National championships. Turned professional at 20 and became leading contender for welterweight championship.
Eyes failed at 23; stopped fighting at 26.
Organized a band, playing for dances and at theaters. Became interested in theater and secured part in Meek Mose. Stevedore at 28; played in Orson Welles’ Negro Macbeth.
With Rex Ingram in Haiti, doing Christophe.
Season with Ethel Waters doing Drylon in Mamba’s Daughters. Later narrator on “Flow Gently, Sweet Rhythm” program with John Kirby and Maxine Sullivan, Columbia Broadcasting System.
Selected for part of Bigger Thomas in Native Son, director by Orson Welles on Mercury Productions. Appeared in Anna Lucasta, The Tempest, On Whitman Avenue (star and co-producer), The Dutchess of Malfi, Secretariat My People Free.
(films) Lifeboat; Body and Soul.
Cry The Beloved Country.
At communion only the believer is invited to participate in the bread and cup of Christ.
Married Juanita Waller, December, 1925. Married second Frances Pollack, March 1951.