Monte Hawley was a renowned black actor of his time, exceling in both stage and screen performances, particularly in independent black cast films and during Harlem's Golden Era. His exceptional talent and handsome appearance made him the most sought-after black actor for black films, surpassing any other black actor of his era.
Born on October 25, 1901, in Chicago, Monte Hawley began his early start in show business under the guidance of Richard B. Harrison, who recognized his natural flair for acting and took him under his wing. Hawley's first big break came with the famous Lafayette Players, a group that achieved great success both in Chicago and on the West Coast in Hollywood and Los Angeles.
Monte Hawley's film career began in silent movies, earning him the nickname "one shot Monte" due to his ability to get it right on the first take. He went on to work with notable black actresses such as Louise Beavers, Hattie McDaniel, and Nina Mae McKinney, starring in films like "The Duke is Tops" and "Gang Smashers".
In Vaudeville, Hawley was teamed with notable comedians Mantan Moreland and Eddie Rochester Anderson before they achieved stardom. He also appeared in various stage shows at Chicago's Regal Theater and on Broadway, showcasing his versatility as a comedic actor.
Monte Hawley's greatest screen fame came while working with Harry Popkin's Million Dollar Productions, where he and Ralph Cooper were the top actors. He played a wide range of roles, from comedic policemen and relentless detectives to tackless gangsters and gamblers, similar to the style of iconic actors like Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Robert Taylor, Pat O'Brien, and Clark Gable.
Throughout his career, Hawley worked with notable figures, including baseball star Jackie Robinson, whom he emceed, and the Scottsboro boys. In his later years, he became affiliated with the play "Anna Lucasta", serving as both stage manager and actor. Unfortunately, Monte Hawley passed away on November 30, 1950, in New York City, and was laid to rest in Chicago, where many black celebrities of the time attended his funeral. Famed band leader and songwriter Noble Sissle delivered the eulogy, and Eubie Blake played appropriate selections on the piano.
