Billy McClain

Billy McClain
Billy McClain circa 1902
Born	(1866-10-12)12 October 1866 Indianapolis, Indiana, US
Died	19 January 1950(1950-01-19) (aged 83) Los Angeles, California, US
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1933–1950

William C. McClain (12 October 1866 – 19 January 1950) was an African-American acrobat, comedian and actor who starred in minstrel shows before World War I. He wrote, produced and directed several major stage and outdoor extravaganzas, and wrote a number of popular songs. He was influential in extending the range of minstrel shows far beyond the traditional conventions of the time, giving them appeal to much wider audiences. He toured in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Later he promoted boxing and played several minor roles in movies.