Eddie "Rochester" Anderson: Trailblazing African-American Radio Star

Edmund Lincoln Anderson, better known by his stage name "Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson," was a trailblazing African-American actor and comedian who left an indelible mark on the golden age of radio. Born on September 18, 1905, in Oakland, California, Anderson came from a family of entertainers. His father, "Big Ed" Anderson, was a minstrel performer, while his mother Ella Mae had been a tightrope walker until a career-ending fall.

As a child, Anderson described himself as a descendant of slaves who had escaped the South during the Civil War through the Underground Railroad. At the age of 10, Anderson and his family moved from Oakland to San Francisco, where he left school at just 14 years old to work as an errand boy and help support his family.

Even from a young age, Anderson was drawn to the stage, spending much of his free time waiting at theater doors and performing on street corners with his brother Cornelius. He briefly tried his hand at being a jockey, but had to abandon that dream when he became too heavy. Instead, Anderson's path to stardom would be paved by his unique and instantly recognizable voice.

Entry Into Radio and The Jack Benny Show

Anderson's start in show business came as part of an all-African American revue at the age of 14, after he had won an amateur contest at a vaudeville theater in San Francisco. He joined the cast of the musical revue "Struttin' Along" in 1923 and was part of "Steppin' High" in 1924, performing as both a dancer and one-third of the comedy trio The Three Black Aces with his brother. Anderson later worked in vaudeville with Cornelius, adding comedy to his song-and-dance act in 1926.

During one of his vaudeville tours to the East Coast, Anderson first crossed paths with the legendary comedian Jack Benny, though the two only exchanged greetings and a handshake at the time. It wouldn't be until 1937 that Anderson's career would truly take off when he landed the role of Rochester van Jones, Benny's valet, on Benny's popular radio program "The Jack Benny Show."

Anderson's distinctive gravelly voice, the result of ruptured vocal cords from his days as a newspaper vendor in San Francisco, had initially brought him to stardom. But it was his portrayal of the wisecracking, streetwise Rochester that would cement his legacy as a pioneering African-American performer in old-time radio.

The Rise of Rochester

When Benny's radio show moved to NBC in 1937, Anderson was invited to join the cast as Rochester, Benny's loyal but sarcastic valet. This made Anderson the first African-American actor to have a regular role on a nationwide radio program. Over the next three decades, Rochester would become one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in old-time radio.

The relationship between Benny and Rochester evolved over the years, becoming more complex and familiar as the character's popularity grew. While Rochester's role initially relied on some racial stereotyping common to the era, Benny and his writers made a conscious effort to remove the more offensive elements as societal attitudes shifted in the wake of World War II.

By the 1950s, Rochester had become a fully realized character, less subservient and more equal in his banter with Benny. The two shared a genuine rapport, with Rochester often getting the better of his employer through quick wit and clever schemes. Benny also used his show as a platform to promote racial harmony, featuring prominent African-American performers as guests and speaking out against discrimination.

Anderson's portrayal of Rochester struck a chord with audiences, who delighted in the character's sarcastic quips and ability to outmaneuver the famously cheap Benny. The role made Anderson a household name and one of the most recognizable African-American performers of his time.

Expanding Beyond Radio

While The Jack Benny Show remained Anderson's primary claim to fame, he continued to work steadily in other media throughout his career. In 1952, he appeared as a mystery guest on the popular TV game show "What's My Line?," leaving the panel in stitches with his infectious laughter.

In 1957, Anderson reprised his film role as Noah in a televised adaptation of "The Green Pastures" for the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" anthology series, earning an Emmy nomination. He also made guest appearances on shows like "The Dick Powell Show," "It Takes a Thief," and "Love, American Style" in the 1960s and early 1970s.

As his radio career wound down, Anderson continued to pursue his passion for horse racing, working as a trainer at the Hollywood Park Racetrack. In the early 1970s, he even attempted a comeback with a nightclub act, which led to a role in the Broadway revival of "The Green Pastures," though he was forced to resign due to failing health.

Throughout his diverse career, Anderson lent his distinctive voice to several animated series, including providing the voice of cartoon character Bobby Joe Mason in "The New Adventures of Batman" and "The New Scooby-Doo Movies."

Legacy and Impact

Eddie "Rochester" Anderson's impact on the world of old-time radio cannot be overstated. As the first African-American actor to have a regular role on a nationwide radio program, he broke down barriers and paved the way for greater representation and diversity in the medium.

Anderson's portrayal of Rochester evolved over the years, becoming a more complex and fully realized character. While the role initially relied on some racial stereotyping, Benny and his writers made a concerted effort to remove the more offensive elements, reflecting the changing attitudes of the post-war era. This sensitivity and commitment to progress set a positive example for the industry.

Beyond his groundbreaking work on The Jack Benny Show, Anderson remained active in television, film, and even the theater, showcasing his versatility as a performer. His distinctive voice and comedic talents endeared him to audiences, cementing his status as a beloved and influential figure in the golden age of radio.

Even after the Benny show ended its run in 1965, Anderson continued to work, demonstrating his longevity and adaptability as an entertainer. His passion for horse racing and his efforts to rehabilitate an injured horse further highlighted his multifaceted interests and dedication.

Today, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson is remembered as a trailblazer, a talented performer, and a pioneer who helped shape the landscape of old-time radio. His legacy as the first African-American actor with a regular role on a nationwide program paved the way for greater diversity and representation in the medium, influencing generations of performers and storytellers to come.

Works and Appearances

Radio

The Jack Benny Program (1937-1965) - Role: Rochester van Jones

Television

What's My Line? (1952) - Mystery Guest
Hallmark Hall of Fame (1957) - Role: Noah in "The Green Pastures"
The Dick Powell Show (1960s)
It Takes a Thief (1960s)
Love, American Style (1960s-early 1970s)
The New Adventures of Batman (1970s) - Voice of Bobby Joe Mason
The New Scooby-Doo Movies (1972-1973) - Voice of Bobby Joe Mason

Film

The Green Pastures (1936) - Role: Noah

Theater

The Green Pastures (1957 TV adaptation) - Role: Noah
The Green Pastures (1970s Broadway revival) - Role

Other Media

Worked as a horse trainer at the Hollywood Park Racetrack

Eddie "Rochester" Anderson: The Pioneering African-American Voice of Old-Time Radio

Enjoys some shows