Laurence Criner

Laurence Criner

In his time was considered one of the most popular Black actors of stage and screen from the 1920s to the early 1950s starring in close to 30 films. He started his career as one of the members of the famed acting group The Lafayette Players. In 1926, he first starred in independently produced silent productions "The Flying Ace" and "Black Gold." In 1927, he starred in legendary Black film-maker Oscar Micheaux's "The Millionaire" and then in 1928 co-starred on Broadway in the hit "Meek Mose." In the late 1930's to the early 1940's, Lawrence became a leading man of "race films," starring in 12 films produced by Hollywood's first Black studio, Million Dollar Productions, and his leading ladies were (then legends in the making) Lena Horne in "The Duke Is Tops," Nina Mae McKinney in "Gang Smashers," Theresa Harris in "Gangsters on the Loose," Louise Beavers in "Life Goes On," Ruby Dee in "What A Guy," and a young Dorothy Dandridge played Lawrence's daughter in "Four Shall Die." His Hollywood screen credits were "Black Moon," "Up Jumped The Devil," "King of the Zombies" (where Lawrence played a Doctor, a far cry from Hollywood's usual stereotyping of Black males), "The Gang's All Here," "Sullivan's Travels," "Freckles Come Home," and "Law of the Jungle" where he was teamed with comedy legend Mantan Moreland. "One Dark Night," "Mr. Smith Goes Ghost," "Gang War," "While Thousands Cheer," "Am I Guilty?" "Pigmeat's Laugh Hepcats," and "Miracle in Harlem" are his other film credits. His last film was "The Jackie Robinson Story" where he gave a memorable performance as the minister who encourages Jackie Robinson to accept the offer to be the first Black to play in major league baseball. Lawrence Criner is honored in African American film history for helping in the development and enhancement of films with people of color by providing positive images and non-stereotypes. Another one of his achievements was he served in both WWI and in the Navy in WWII.
Known For: Acting
Birthday:
Place of Birth:
Also Known As: J. Lawrence Criner

Movies List of Laurence Criner

HD

Black Moon

1934 Movie
HD

While Thousands Cheer

1940 Movie
HD

The Millionaire

1927 Movie
HD

Bargain with Bullets

1937 Movie
HD

The Duke Is Tops

1938 Movie
HD

Miracle in Harlem

1948 Movie
HD

The Gang's All Here

1941 Movie
HD

Up Jumped the Devil

1941 Movie
HD

Midnight Shadow

1939 Movie
HD

The Flying Ace

1926 Movie
HD

Gang War

1940 Movie
HD

Four Shall Die

1940 Movie
HD

Mr. Smith Goes Ghost

1940 Movie
HD

Life Goes On

1938 Movie
HD

What a Guy

1948 Movie
HD

Gang Smashers

1938 Movie
HD

Am I Guilty?

1940 Movie
HD

King of the Zombies

1941 Movie
HD

Freckles Comes Home

1942 Movie
HD

Black Gold

1928 Movie