The son of a minstrel and a circus tightrope walker, Eddie Anderson's early life was marked by the development of a distinctive gravelly voice that would become his trademark to fame. Born into a family of performers, Anderson joined his older brother Cornelius as members of "The Three Black Aces" during his vaudeville years, singing for pennies in the hotel lobby.
As he honed his craft, Anderson's talent and charisma led him to perform at esteemed venues such as the Roxy and Apollo theaters in New York, before eventually making his way to the legendary Los Angeles Cotton Club in the west. His early foray into film typically consisted of servile bits, with his most notable role being the featured part of "Noah" in The Green Pastures (1936).
Anderson's film career continued in a similar vein until a chance pairing with comedy star Jack Benny on his radio program in 1937 catapulted him to stardom. Initially, he had a small part on Benny's Easter show as a Pullman porter, but his gravelly voice, impeccable timing, and comedic reaction to Benny's banter earned him a regular spot. He then became Benny's personal valet, Rochester Van Jones, and the role proved so popular that he became billed as Eddie "Rochester" Anderson.
In between radio assignments, Anderson managed to find time to appear in both dramatic and comedic films, including You Can't Take It with You (1938),Kentucky (1938),Jezebel (1938),and three films alongside Benny - Man About Town (1939),Buck Benny Rides Again (1940),and Love Thy Neighbor (1940). After appearing in the films Brewster's Millions (1945) and The Show-Off (1946),Anderson devoted himself to his partnership with Jack Benny, following him into television and working with him for a total of 23 years.
Anderson returned to the screen for It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963) before ill health eventually forced him into retirement. He passed away in 1977 due to long-standing heart problems, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved comedian and radio personality.
