Background
O'Neal, Frederick was born on August 27, 1905 in Brooksville, Mississippi, United States. Son of Ransome James and Ninnie Bell (Thompson) O'N.
O'Neal, Frederick was born on August 27, 1905 in Brooksville, Mississippi, United States. Son of Ransome James and Ninnie Bell (Thompson) O'N.
Student, New Theatre School, New York City. Student, American Theatre Wing, New York City. Also private instruction.
AFD (honorary), Columbia College, Chicago, 1966. HHD (honorary), Lincoln University, Missouri, 1976. Doctor of Fine Arts (honorary), College of Wooster, 1976.
Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), St. John's University, 1981. DOH (honorary), Tougaloo College, 1982.
Visiting professor, Southern Illinois U., 1962; visiting professor, Clark College, Atlanta, 1963; founder, Aldridge Players, St. Louis, 1927; founder, American Negro Theatre, New York City, 1940; founder, British Negro Theatre, London, 1948. President Institute Study of Arts in Education, Inc., 1980-1992.
Organizer, president emeritus Schomburg Corporation. Board directors Institute for Advisory Studies in Theatre Arts, George Meany Labor Studies Center, 1990, United Nations Development Corporation, National Committee United States/China Relations. Secretary Muscular Dystrophy Association, 1980-1989.
Member New York City Alliance for the Arts, since 1978, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. With United States Army, 1942-1943. Fellow College American Theatre.
Member National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of television and Radio Artists, American National Theatre and Academy, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (vice president 1969-1989, vice president emeritus 1989-1992), Actors Equity Association (president 1964-1973, president emeritus 1973-1992, president foundation 1964-1973), Actors and Artists American (international president 1970-1989, president emeritus 1989), Actors Fund, Urban League, Catholic Interracial Council (president 1979-1981), American Vets Committee, Knights St. Peter Claver, Players Club, Lambs Club.
Married Charlotte T. Hainey, April 18, 1942.