About Johnny Lee
Lived 1898 – 1965 (aged 67). Johnny Lee was an American actor, television actor, voice actor and film actor.
John Dotson Lee Jr. (July 4, 1898 - December 12, 1965) was an American singer, dancer and actor known for voicing the role of Br'er Rabbit in Disney's Song of the South and as Algonquin J. Calhoun in the CBS TV and radio comedy series Amos 'n' Andy in the early 1950s. Much of his career was spent in vaudeville, but he also performed in motion pictures, on recordings and in television. He released a record (as "Johnnie Lee") in July 1949 called "You Can't Lose A Broken Heart" (Columbia Records # 30172), with backup vocals by The Ebonaires. Lee also starred in an all-black musical comedy called "Sugar Hill" in 1949 at Las Palmas Theatre in California.
He died of a heart attack on December 12, 1965, aged 67.
Discography Song of the South: Soundtrack (1946) You Can't Lose a Broken Heart (released July 1949) Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party (1954)
Selected filmography Year Title Role Notes 1932 The Black King Count of Zanzibar Alternative title: Harlem Hot Shot 1936 The Green Pastures Angel Uncredited 1942 Tales of Manhattan Shantytown Carpenter (Robeson sequence) Uncredited 1943 Stormy Weather Lyles Uncredited1946 Song of the South Br'er Rabbit Voice Mantan Runs for Mayor 1948 Boarding House Blues Stanley The Return of Mandy's Husband She's Too Mean for Me Come On, Cowboy! 1951 My Forbidden Past Toy Vendor Uncredited 1952 The Narrow Margin Waiter Uncredited 1953 Ramar of the Jungle Chief Warren Episode: "Savage Fury" 1951-1953 The Amos 'n Andy Show (TV) Algonquin J. Calhoun 68 episodes 1955 Screen Directors Playhouse Simon Episode: "Lincoln's Doctor's Dog"1956 The First Traveling Saleslady Amos Uncredited Soldiers of Fortune Kamele Episode: "The Greater Magic" The Adventures of Jim Bowie Israel Episode: "The Return of the Alciblade" 1957 The Spirit of St. Louis Jess - Cook at Louie's Shack Uncredited 1958 Hot Spell Colored Man Uncredited1960 The Rat Race Janitor Uncredited High Time Servant at Judge Carter's Ball Uncredited North to Alaska Coachman Uncredited 1962-1963 Dennis the Menace Johnny the LocksmithMr. Tibbitt 2 episodes (final television appearance)
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Important facts
People in Johnny Lee's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Johnny Lee's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Johnny Lee?
American singer, dancer, and actor (1898–1965)
When was Johnny Lee born?
Johnny Lee was born on 4 July 1898 in Los Angeles.
When did Johnny Lee die?
Johnny Lee died on 12 December 1965 in Los Angeles.
What was Johnny Lee's occupation?
Johnny Lee was an actor, television actor, voice actor and film actor.
What nationality was Johnny Lee?
Johnny Lee was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Johnny Lee. https://biography.guide/johnny-lee/
MLA: "Johnny Lee." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/johnny-lee/.
Chicago: "Johnny Lee." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/johnny-lee/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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