Napoleon Whiting

Napoleon Whiting (September 21, 1910, Mississippi – October 22, 1984, Los Angeles, California),[1] was an American character actor.[2]

He played many bit parts, often uncredited, as a menial worker such as the African American butler, a stereotypical role. He also appeared as the butler in Giant (1956).

Whiting was best known to television audiences for his work as Silas on The Big Valley, a typecast but highly visible role.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1942Lucky GhostThe Chauffeur
1942Professor CreepsTaxicab Driver
1943Spy TrainClub Car Porter
1943Riding HighRed CapUncredited
1945The Falcon in San FranciscoPullman PorterUncredited
1946Centennial SummerRed CapUncredited
1947Born to KillTrain PorterUncredited
1948The Bride Goes WildPorterUncredited
1948The Big ClockBootblackUncredited
1950A Woman of DistinctionPorterUncredited
1950Mystery StreetRed CapUncredited
1950My Friend Irma Goes WestThe WaiterUncredited
1951The Tall TargetHawkerUncredited
1952The Narrow MarginRed CapUncredited
1956Alfred Hitchcock PresentsTonySeason 1 Episode 15: "The Big Switch"
1956GiantJefferson Swazey
1957The Tattered DressWillie, The PorterUncredited
1957The Helen Morgan StoryNapoleon, Wade's ButlerUncredited
1959Imitation of LifeKenneth, Lora's ButlerUncredited
1959It Happened to JaneEugene, The Waiter
1959Don't Give Up the ShipPorterUncredited
1959CareerBellhopUncredited
1963Wall of NoisePreacher
1963Living Between Two WorldsReverend Williamson
19634 for TexasThe WaiterUncredited
1964Kisses for My PresidentThe UsherUncredited
1965Clarence, the Cross-Eyed LionVillager #2
1966Chamber of HorrorsServantUncredited
1967HotelThe WaiterUncredited
1970There Was a Crooked Man...Lomax ServantUncredited
1971Skin GameNed
1974BustingRizzo's Butler
1974Black SamsonHenry "Old Henry"
1975Farewell, My LovelyThe Hotel Clerk
1975Fugitive LoversArthur, The Valet
1978Every Girl Should Have OneNapoleon

References