Lucius Blake
Jamaica-born British actor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lucius Blake, born Elusha Ebenezer Blake, was a Jamaica-born actor who appeared in more than 30 British films. The Guardian describes him as "possibly the most prolific black actor in early British cinema."[1][2]
Life
Blake was born in Jamaica and initially worked with his family planting coffee.[1] He moved to Pittsburgh when he was 23, where he had jobs as a chauffeur, janitor, and mechanic, among others.[1] In the 1920s, he moved to the UK, where he began his film career. His first known film role was in the 1928 Sweeney Todd, followed by seaman Sam in The American Prisoner in 1929.[1][3] He appeared in more than 30 British films,[1][4] including a key part alongside Conrad Veidt in King of the Damned (1935).[1] He was sometimes credited as J. Blake or Sam Blake.[1] During his time in the UK there was an attempt on his life, but it is unknown when or by whom.[1] He also served as a stretcher-bearer in the London blitz.[1] His last known film appearance was an uncredited role as a witch doctor in Old Mother Riley's Jungle Treasure.[5]
Selected filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 | Sweeney Todd | Sambo | Credited as J. Blake | [1][6] |
| 1929 | The American Prisoner | Cuffee/Sam/Snowball | First credited | [1][7] |
| 1935 | King of the Damned | Sam/convict 7011 | Uncredited | [1][8] |
| McGlusky the Sea Rover | Sunshine | [9] | ||
| The Mystery of the Mary Celeste | Uncredited | [1] | ||
| 1938 | Old Bones of the River | Sergeant Abiboo | Uncredited | [1][10] |
| 1944 | Dreaming | African Prince | [1] | |
| 1946 | Men of Two Worlds | Rafi, the Chief | [1][11] | |
| 1947 | The End of the River | Stevedore (dockworker) | Uncredited | [1][12] |
| 1951 | Cry, the Beloved Country | Extra in public gallery | Uncredited | [1][13] |
| Old Mother Riley's Jungle Treasure | Witch doctor | Final film, uncredited | [5] |
