Tom Patricola

Tomasso Patricola (January 22, 1891 – January 1, 1950) was an American actor, comic and dancer who starred in vaudeville and motion pictures.

Born in New Orleans, Patricola established his fame as a hoofer, becoming a leading interpreter of the Black Bottom dance. Besides excelling at eccentric dances, Patricola also sang and played the ukulele. Marketing himself as a novelty act, Patricola was described as a "mop gone crazy" as he danced while simultaneously singing and playing the ukulele. He was also a noted clog dancer.

Career His fame as a song and dance man was assured by five seasons as a headliner with George White's Scandals, a Broadway musical revue, from 1923 to 1926 and 1928. He was noted for dancing the Black Bottom with Ann Pennington in the 1926 version of Scandals. While employed by George White, Patricola was coached by the African American choreographer Buddy Bradley.

Filmography