Frederick O'Neal

African-American Frederick O'Neal was an actor and director of distinction, known for his exemplary work on stage and TV, but is hailed (and, arguably, better remembered) for his work behind the scenes as a revolutionary unionist and certifiable mover-and-shaker, earning major applause for his equally inspiring work and steadfast dedication to black actors everywhere by opening doors where no doors were before. Born in Brooksville, Mississippi in 1905, the gentlemanly performer was so named in honor of the esteemed abolitionist and statesman Frederick Douglass. On the acting front, O'Neal made his New York debut in 1936 with the Civic Repertory Theatre. In 1944, he won the Clarence Derwent award for his Broadway performance as the greedy brother-in-law in "Anna Lucasta." He also earned acclaim for his stage portrayal of Lem Scott in "Take a Giant Step" in 1953. Both of these roles he transferred to the screen. In the late 50s and early 60s he was a dignified presence on TV, primarily in dramatic Kraft Suspense and Hallmark Hall of Fame productions. His first film was a small part in the pioneer racial drama Pinky (1949). Parts that followed were alternately stereotypical, such Tarzan's Peril (1951), and prodigious, such as Anna Lucasta (1959), Take a Giant Step (1959), and the lead in Free, White and 21 (1962). Off-stage and off-camera, O'Neal also became a force to be reckoned with. He was a major administrative figure in raising the scope of black theatre both in New York and London, co-founding many theater companies and cultural organizations. Notable among these is Harlem's American Negro Theatre (ANT) in 1940, which ignited the legendary careers of Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, and others. The all-black cast of "Anna Lucasta" was ANT's first major success on Broadway. ANT also became the first black theatre company to produce a black radio series. The company stopped production in the 50s but not before it had achieved its purpose of widening awareness of black theatre. O'Neal also co-founded the British Negro Theatre. In 1964 he became president Emeritus of the Actor's Equity Association and Associated Actors and Artistes of America. He also held the honor of becoming the first Black American to be elected president of Equity (1964-1973). In 1992, the 86-year-old actor died following a lengthy illness and was survived by his wife.