Lennie Bluett (January 21, 1919 – January 1, 2016) was an American film actor, pianist, dancer and singer. His mother was a cook for Humphrey Bogart. At age 16, Bluett started playing the piano at Bogart's parties.
Bluett formed a harmonizing group with his friends called "Four Dreamers". Nat King Cole used to play with the band.
He played a soldier in Gone With the Wind in 1939. During production of the film, the outdoor set's bathrooms were segregated with signs that said "white" and "colored," respectively, until an appalled Bluett brought this to the attention of Clark Gable, who threatened to quit the film unless the signs were taken down.
His career consisted of minor roles due to the limited opportunities for African-Americans at the time. He relocated to Vancouver in order to avoid being drafted into World War II, and returned afterwards. He died in Los Angeles on January 1, 2016, at the age of 96.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1936 Strike Me Pink Dancer Uncredited1937 A Day at the Races Black Singer Uncredited1937 Ali Baba Goes to Town Arab Uncredited1938 Spirit of Youth Dancer Uncredited1939 Gone With the Wind Yankee Soldier in Shantytown / Townsperson Uncredited1941 The Big Store Singer Uncredited1942 Born to Sing Specialty -'Ballad for Americans' Uncredited1942 Star Spangled Rhythm Dancer - 'Sharp as a Tack' Number Uncredited1943 Cabin in the Sky Dancer / Jim Henry's Paradise Patron Uncredited1943 Stormy Weather Dancer / Nightclub Patron Uncredited1943 Thank Your Lucky Stars Dancer in 'Ice Cold Katy' Number Uncredited1943 I Dood It Part of Hazel Scott's Entourage / Singer in Jericho Uncredited1944 Broadway Rhythm Dancer in 'Brazilian Boogie' Uncredited1944 When Strangers Marry Dancer at Big Jims Uncredited1944 Carolina Blues Dancer in 'Mr. Beebe' Uncredited1945 Ziegfeld Follies Dancer ('Love') Uncredited1948 State of the Union Page Boy Uncredited1949 Mighty Joe Young Nightclub Dancer Uncredited1954 A Star Is Born Dancer - 'Born in a Trunk' Number Uncredited1993 La Nuit sacrée Pianiste (final film role)
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