Willis P. Sweatnam Explained

Willis Palmer Sweatnam, Sr. (1854 - November 25, 1930) was a Broadway show actor and minstrel show performer.[1]

Biography

He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1854. He had a son, Willis Palmer Sweatnam, Jr. (1887-?)

When down on his luck in 1903, George Ade created a blackface role for Sweatnam in his new play The County Chairman, and Sweatnam proved to be one of the stars of the show.[2]

He died on November 25, 1930, at the Lambs Club.[3]

Notes and References

  1. [Walter Anthony|Anthony, Walter]
  2. Coyle, Lee. George Ade: A Critical Study, p. 70 (1964)
  3. News: Willis Sweatnam Dies . . November 26, 1930 . 2009-07-24 .