Spencer Williams (July 14, 1893 – December 13, 1969) was an
African American actor and filmmaker. He was best known for playing Andy in the
Amos 'n Andy television show and for the directing the 1941
race film The Blood of Jesus.
Early career
Williams (who was sometimes billed as Spencer Williams Jr.) was born in
Vidalia, Louisiana.
He moved to
New York City when he was a teenager and secured work as
call boy for the theatrical impresario
Oscar Hammerstein. During this period, he received mentoring as a comedian from the African American
vaudeville star
Bert Williams.
[“Spencer Williams,” AfricanAmericans.com]
