Noble Johnson was an actor who was born in 1881 & died in 1957. He was one of the first black actors to attain the status of "star". In 1914, he landed his first movie role in the successful Universal Pictures film, The Eagle's Nest. He then signed a contract with Universal & became a celebrity to many African-Americans. In 1915, Johnson & Clarence Brooks launched the Lincoln Motion Picture Company, which produced several successful films in which Johnson played the leading role. His brother George, was publicity manager. Because Johnson's participation in the film company conflicted with his contract with Universal Pictures, he eventually resigned as president.
Johnson often appeared in non-black roles, portraying in various films playing a Mexican, Chinese, Spanish, Cuban, Tibetan, & Eskimo characters. He played the role of a Tarter in Hounds of Zaroff & the role of Friday in Robinson Crusoe.
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