#49 of my favorite actors collection.
Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson.
(1878-1949)
One of my favorite dancers/actors of all times since I was really young. Although in many of the movies he performed in, he played a slave, servant, porter, doorman, farm hand, ect., but that never stopped him from becoming a legend. Beforehand, he was a major vaudeville star who amazed millions with his tap dance routines. In fact, he was even well known in Europe at the time and received an award from a king. When he was approaching the king, he had to walk up a small flight of stairs. Along the way, he tap danced his way up and that became his signature routine-- The Stair Dance.
Here's an example of his amazing dance routine as he played in the Shirley Temple film 'The Little Colonel' and in case you don't know who he is or just don't remember him --
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtHvet…
Mr. Bojangles even held a world record for 55 years. In 1922, he ran a 100 yard dash 'BACKWARDS' in 13.7 seconds. Now that's tough to do, but no matter. That's lightning fast. The record was broken in 1977 by a Paul Wilson, but all the same, That's amazing to know about Mr. Bojangles.
I will always admire him and respect his wonderful talent in acting, singing, and awesome dancing. Here's to you, Mr. Bojangles.
