Williams was the only black member of the Ziegfeld Follies when he joined them in 1910. Shown here in blackface, he was the highest paid African-American entertainer of his day. Photographed by Samuel Lumiere studio, June 13, 1921. Egbert Austin "Bert" Wi
Williams was the only black member of the Ziegfeld Follies when he joined them in 1910. Shown here in blackface, he was the highest paid African-American entertainer of his day. Photographed by Samuel Lumiere studio, June 13, 1921. Egbert Austin "Bert" Williams (November 12, 1874 - March 4, 1922) was one of the pre-eminent entertainers of the Vaudeville era and one of the most popular comedians for all audiences of his time. He was by far the bestselling black recording artist before 1920. In 1918, the New York Dramatic Mirror called Williams "one of the great comedians of the world." Williams was a key figure in the development of African-American entertainment. In an age when racial inequality and stereotyping were commonplace, he became the first black American to take a lead role on the Broadway stage, and did much to push back racial barriers during his career. Fellow vaudevillian Fields, who appeared in productions with Williams, described him as "the funniest man I ever saw - and the saddest man I ever knew." He collapsed during a performance in Detroit, Michigan, which the audience initially thought was a comic bit. Helped to his dressing room, Williams quipped, "That's a nice way to die. They was laughing when I made my last exit." He returned to New York, but his health worsened. He died in 1922 at the age of 47. A private service was held at the Masonic Lodge in Manhattan, where Williams broke his last barrier. He was the first Negro to be so honored by the all-white Grand Lodge. When the Masons opened their doors for a public service, nearly 2,000 mourners of both races were admitted.
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