# Scatman Crothers

> American entertainer (1910–1986)

**Wikidata**: [Q501996](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q501996)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scatman_Crothers)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scatman-crothers

## Summary
Scatman Crothers was an American entertainer active from the 1930s until his death in 1986. He was a versatile performer known for his work as an actor, singer, dancer, composer, and jazz musician, appearing in film, television, and radio.

## Biography
- Born: May 23, 1910
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Alabama State College
- Known for: Multi-talented entertainer in film, television, and music
- Employer(s): Various film studios, television networks, and record labels including Challenge Records
- Field(s): Acting, singing, dancing, composing, jazz music, voice acting, radio broadcasting

## Contributions
Scatman Crothers built a diverse career spanning over five decades in entertainment. He appeared in numerous films and television shows, composed music, recorded as a jazz musician, and provided voice acting for animated productions. His work included performances in both dramatic and comedic roles, as well as contributions to the jazz music scene through recordings and live performances.

## FAQs
**What was Scatman Crothers known for?**
Scatman Crothers was known for his versatility as an entertainer, working as an actor, singer, dancer, composer, and jazz musician across film, television, radio, and music recording.

**Where did Scatman Crothers receive his education?**
Scatman Crothers attended Alabama State College, a public university in Montgomery, Alabama.

**What types of entertainment work did Scatman Crothers do?**
He worked across multiple entertainment fields including film acting, television acting, voice acting, singing, dancing, composing music, and performing as a jazz musician.

**What awards or recognition did Scatman Crothers receive?**
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. He was also nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.

## Why They Matter
Scatman Crothers matters as a pioneering African American entertainer who broke barriers in multiple entertainment fields during a time of limited opportunities for Black performers. His versatility across acting, music, and voice work made him a recognizable figure in American popular culture for over 50 years. He helped pave the way for future generations of multi-talented performers and contributed significantly to the representation of African Americans in film and television.

## Notable For
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Induction into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame
- Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor
- Multi-decade career spanning film, television, radio, and music
- Work as both live-action and voice actor
- Contributions to jazz music as a performer and composer
- Education at Alabama State College

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Scatman Crothers was born Benjamin Sherman Crothers on May 23, 1910, in the United States. He received his education at Alabama State College, a public university founded in 1867 in Montgomery, Alabama. This historically Black institution provided him with foundational education during a period when educational opportunities for African Americans were limited in many parts of the country.

### Entertainment Career
Crothers began his professional entertainment career in 1932, working across multiple mediums throughout his life. As an actor, he appeared in both film and television productions, building a reputation for his distinctive voice and charismatic screen presence. His work extended to voice acting, where he lent his talents to animated productions, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

### Music Career
Beyond acting, Crothers was an accomplished musician who worked as a singer, composer, and jazz musician. He recorded music and performed live, contributing to the jazz scene of his era. His musical talents complemented his acting career, often incorporating his musical abilities into his performances. He was affiliated with Challenge Records, a US record label active in the 1920s, though his recording career likely occurred later.

### Film and Television Work
Throughout his career, Crothers appeared in numerous film and television productions. While specific titles are not listed in the source material, his extensive work in these mediums established him as a recognizable character actor. His distinctive voice and physical comedy made him particularly memorable in supporting roles across various genres.

### Voice Acting
Crothers expanded his entertainment repertoire to include voice acting, providing voices for animated characters. This work allowed him to reach younger audiences and demonstrated his ability to convey personality and emotion through vocal performance alone, separate from his physical acting skills.

### Recognition and Awards
His contributions to entertainment were recognized through several honors. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his place in entertainment history. He was also inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, acknowledging his significance to African American cinema. Additionally, he received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, recognizing his work in science fiction, fantasy, or horror film genres.

### Legacy and Impact
Scatman Crothers left a lasting impact on American entertainment through his multi-faceted career. As an African American performer working across five decades, he helped expand opportunities for Black entertainers in film, television, and music. His ability to succeed in multiple entertainment disciplines made him a unique figure in Hollywood history, and his distinctive voice and personality continue to be remembered by audiences who grew up watching his films and television appearances.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Find a Grave
8. Discogs
9. Library of Congress Authorities
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. IdRef
12. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
13. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
14. The Movie Database