Research Catalog

Details

Description

1. 3.4 lin. ft.

Summary

1. The Lorenzo Tucker papers reflect portions of Tucker's screen and stage career and also discuss his service during World War II and his varied occupations in the 1960s-1980s. There is no original material from his early acting career with Oscar Micheaux, but there are several scrapbooks representing his theatrical performances, including the touring production (British Isles) of the American Negro Theatre's "Anna Lucasta," and his role as road manager in the 1950s for "Springtime for Henry" and an all-black production of "Harvey" starring Dooley Wilson. Another scrapbook features Tucker's World War II experience as a trainee in MacDill Field, Florida and entertainment specialist via programs, clippings and other printed material.
2. The collection also documents Tucker's efforts to share his knowledge about Black film and theater, and correspondence from the 1970s and 1980s references his early acting career. There is a folder of letters from an actor friend, Jay Flash Riley, 1979-1980, and a limited number of letters regarding his work as a photographer. The recognition in the 1970s-1980s for his pioneering work as an actor is documented in awards and appreciations presented to him by such organizations as the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame and L.A.-D.C. Connection, Inc.
3. The collection includes programs and playbills from films and theatrical presentations in which Tucker acted, was the master of ceremonies or the official photographer, 1931-1979. There are also scripts, several authored by Tucker. Included are scripts for plays in which he performed such as "Harvey" and "Ol' Man Satan," and a number of radio dramatizations and television programs.

Subject

1. Scrapbooks
2. Scripts
3. African American motion picture actors and actresses
4. Theater > United States
5. Tucker, Lorenzo
6. African American entertainers
7. Actors > United States
8. African American theater
9. African American actors
10. Riley, Jay Flash
11. African Americans in the performing arts
12. Television scripts
13. Black author

Genre/Form

1. Scrapbooks.
2. Scripts.
3. Television scripts.

Call number

1. Sc MG 453

Note

1. Photographs transferred to the Photographs and Prints Division.
2. Audiotapes, videotapes and films transferred to Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division.
3. Books and magazines transferred to General Research and Reference Division.

Source (note)

1. Pauline Segura Tucker

Biography (note)

1. Born in 1907 in Philadelphia, Lorenzo Tucker was a stage and screen actor, appearing in eleven all-black movies (1927-1936) produced by film pioneer Oscar Micheaux. Frequently appearing as the romantic lead, he was billed as the "Black Valentino." Tucker performed in vaudeville and dramatic theater. In addition to acting and directing his own troupe in the 1950s, he was in the stage production of Mae West's "The Constant Sinner." In the 1970s-1980s he gained national recognition for his early movie career.
2. Tucker served in the infantry and as an entertainment specialist during World War II. Later he worked as a photographer; and from 1961 to 1974 Tucker was an assistant to the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, Dr. Milton Helpern. At other times Tucker's varied career and economic necessity led him to become a broadcaster, house painter and security guard. Tucker died in 1986 at age 79.

Author

1. Tucker, Lorenzo.

Title

1. Lorenzo Tucker papers, 1928-1986 (bulk ca. 1970 - ca. 1980)

Biography

1. Born in 1907 in Philadelphia, Lorenzo Tucker was a stage and screen actor, appearing in eleven all-black movies (1927-1936) produced by film pioneer Oscar Micheaux. Frequently appearing as the romantic lead, he was billed as the "Black Valentino." Tucker performed in vaudeville and dramatic theater. In addition to acting and directing his own troupe in the 1950s, he was in the stage production of Mae West's "The Constant Sinner." In the 1970s-1980s he gained national recognition for his early movie career.
2. Tucker served in the infantry and as an entertainment specialist during World War II. Later he worked as a photographer; and from 1961 to 1974 Tucker was an assistant to the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, Dr. Milton Helpern. At other times Tucker's varied career and economic necessity led him to become a broadcaster, house painter and security guard. Tucker died in 1986 at age 79.

Connect to:

1. Finding Aid

Local subject

1. Black author.

Research call number

1. Sc MG 453