Nick Stewart, whose birth name was Horace Winfred, was born on March 15, 1910, in the culturally rich and vibrant neighborhood of Harlem, located within the city limits of New York City.
Stewart's parents, Joseph and Eva, had recently made the bold decision to leave their native Barbados, a small island in the British West Indies, behind and start a new life in the United States. This marked the beginning of a journey that would ultimately lead to Stewart's foray into the captivating world of show business.
As a young man, Stewart's first foray into the entertainment industry was as a dancer, where he honed his skills at the Cotton Club and Hoofers Club, two esteemed establishments that played host to some of the most talented performers of the time. His impressive dancing abilities also led to opportunities on the Great White Way, with appearances in notable Broadway productions such as Swingin' the Dream and Louisiana Purchase.
Stewart's early career was marked by a plethora of notable performances, including the development of a humorous character he dubbed "Nicodemus". In 1941, he joined the esteemed ranks of the Rudy Vallée radio show as a cast member, bringing his unique brand of comedy to a wider audience. Additionally, Stewart's filmography boasts a notable appearance in the 1936 cinematic endeavor, "Go West Young Man", a classic of the era. Furthermore, his impressive vocal range was showcased in the 1946 Disney masterpiece, "Song of the South", where he lent his voice to the iconic character of Br'er Bear. Moreover, Stewart's television credits include a memorable turn as Willy-Willy on the popular series "Ramar of the Jungle".
Stewart's career trajectory took a significant turn in 1954 when he landed a pivotal role in the theatrical production "The Reign of Amelika Joe" presented by Fireside Theatre, a testament to his burgeoning talent. Simultaneously, he made a lasting impression in the comedy realm with his standout performance in the 1954 film "White Christmas". Interestingly, Stewart was initially offered the role of Calhoun the lawyer, but with great foresight, he declined the opportunity and instead opted for the role of Lightnin' on the popular television show.
Stewart's ultimate aspiration was to amass sufficient financial resources to establish his very own theatrical establishment, a venue where talented African American performers would be afforded the opportunity to shine in a diverse range of roles, thus shattering the pervasive stereotype of African Americans being relegated to secondary characters such as maids and porters.
In the year 1987, the accomplished individual, Jon Stewart, took part in a thoughtful and engaging discussion on the documentary Amos 'n' Andy: Anatomy of a Controversy, where he shared his insights and perspectives on the show, as well as his personal experiences and contributions to its creation.
Stewart's participation in the documentary provided a unique opportunity for him to reflect on the significance of the show, its impact on society, and the controversy surrounding its portrayal of African American characters.
In addition to his work on the documentary, Stewart also had the privilege of appearing in the classic movie Carmen Jones, showcasing his versatility as a performer and his ability to adapt to a wide range of roles and genres.
Throughout his career, Stewart has consistently demonstrated his talent, creativity, and dedication to his craft, earning him a reputation as a respected and accomplished individual in the entertainment industry.
Stewart's illustrious acting career reached its conclusion with a nostalgic return to the esteemed Disney entertainment empire, where he once again lent his distinctive voice to the iconic character of Br'er Bear, a role that had originally been featured in the beloved animated segments of the classic film Song of the South. This iconic theme park attraction, Splash Mountain, provided the perfect platform for Stewart to reprise his memorable performance, transporting visitors back in time to a bygone era of wholesome family entertainment.
