James Baskett

Birth Name: James Franklin Baskett

Date of Birth: February 16, 1904

Place of Birth: Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.

Date of Death: July 9, 1948

Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: African-American

James Baskett was an American actor and singer. He is known for playing Uncle Remus, singing the song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” in the film Song of the South. He received an honorary Academy Award for his Uncle Remus role, becoming the first African-American male to have won an Oscar. He was also known as Jimmie Baskette, Jimmy Baskette, and Jim Basquette.

James was the son of Elizabeth and John Baskett. He was said to have been a second cousin of actor Bill Cobbs. James was married to Margaret, until his death.

James’ paternal grandfather was named John Baskett.

James’ paternal grandmother was Rebecca Dorsey (the daughter of Washington George Dorsey and Margaret Jackson).

James’ maternal grandfather was surnamed Brown.