13 Facts About Dooley Wilson

Arthur "Dooley" Wilson was an American actor, singer and musician who is best remembered for his portrayal of Sam in the 1942 film Casablanca.

Arthur Dooley Wilson was born in Tyler, Texas, the youngest of five children.

Part of the emerging African American theatre scene, Dooley Wilson worked with the Anita Bush company in New York City in 1914 and with Charles Gilpin's stock company at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem in 1915.

Dooley Wilson performed in James Reese Europe's band, and after World War I he toured Europe with his own band, The Red Devils, throughout the 1920s.

Dooley Wilson found himself playing Pullman porters while his stage role in the MGM film adaptation of Cabin in the Sky was played by Eddie "Rochester" Anderson.

Per the studio custom of the day, Dooley Wilson received his contract salary, $350 per week, and Paramount kept the balance.

Dooley Wilson was cast in the role of Sam, a singer and pianist employed by nightclub owner Rick.

Dooley Wilson was a singer and drummer, but not a pianist.

Dooley Wilson was cast in the film version of Stormy Weather, as Gabe Tucker, the best friend of Bill Williamson.

Back on Broadway, Dooley Wilson played Pompey, an escaped slave, in the musical Bloomer Girl.

Dooley Wilson was on the executive board of the Negro Actors Guild of America.

Dooley Wilson died May 30,1953, of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles.

Dooley Wilson had become ill two years earlier while performing in a New York stage production of Harvey.