Leigh Whipper

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Leigh Rollin Whipper (October 29, 1876 – July 26, 1975) was an American actor on the stage and in motion pictures. He was the first African American to join the Actors' Equity Association, and one of the founders of the Negro Actors Guild of America. He is best known for creating the role of Crooks in the original Broadway production of Of Mice and Men, which he reprised in the 1939 film version.

Educated at Howard University Law School, he left in 1895 and never practiced as a lawyer. Without any dramatic training, he made his first Broadway appearance in Georgia Minstrels. His first film role was in the 1920 silent film The Symbol of the Unconquered.

During the Second World War, Whipper was a member of the steering committee of Negro Division the Hollywood Victory Committee.

Leigh Whipper is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 23 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Once Upon a Time in Harlem (2026), Heart of the Golden West (1942), The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), Undercurrent (1946), Of Mice and Men (1939), King of the Zombies (1941), Road to Zanzibar (1941), Mission to Moscow (1943). The recorded credits span 1920 to 2026, including 23 movies and 0 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.