Dooley Wilson | |
|---|---|
 Wilson in 1945 | |
| Born | Arthur Wilson April 3, 1886 Tyler, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | May 30, 1953 (aged 67) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1893–1952 |
| Spouse(s) | Estelle Williams (m. 19??; his death 1953) |
Arthur "Dooley" Wilson (April 3, 1886 – May 30, 1953) was an American actor, singer and musician who is best remembered for his portrayal of Sam in the 1942 film Casablanca. In that romantic drama, he performs its theme song "As Time Goes By".
Wilson was a drummer and singer[1] who led his own band in the 1920s, touring nightclubs in London and Paris. In the 1930s he took up acting, playing supporting roles onstage on Broadway and in a series of modest films. His role in Casablanca was by far his most prominent, but his other films included My Favorite Blonde (1942) with Bob Hope, Stormy Weather (1943) with Lena Horne and the Nicholas Brothers, and the Western Passage West (1951).[2][3]
- ^ "Obituaries: Dooley Wilson". Variety. June 10, 1953. p. 83. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
- ^ Otfinoski, Steven (May 14, 2014). African Americans in the Performing Arts. Checkmark Books. pp. 244–245. ISBN 978-0816078387. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
- ^ Charles, John. "Biography for Dooley Wilson". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved November 5, 2017.