Who was Scatman Crothers? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Benjamin Sherman Crothers

Died At Age: 76

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Helen Sullivan (m. 1937–1986)

father: Benjamin Crothers

mother: Fredonia Lewis

Born Country: United States

African American Actors Actors

Height: 5'10" (178 cm), 5'10" Males

Died on: November 22, 1986

place of death: Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, United States

Diseases & Disabilities: Lung Cancer

Cause of Death: Lung Cancer

U.S. State: Indiana

City: Terre Haute, Indiana

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Scatman Crothers played the character of Dick Hallorann, the hotel chef with psychic abilities, in the movie "The Shining."
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In which animated film did Scatman Crothers provide his voice for a character?

Scatman Crothers provided his voice for the character of Scat Cat in the animated film "The Aristocats."
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What was Scatman Crothers' profession before becoming an actor?

Before becoming an actor, Scatman Crothers was a musician known for his skills as a scat singer and drummer.
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Scatman Crothers had a recurring role in the TV series "Chico and the Man," where he played the character of Louie Wilson.
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What was Scatman Crothers known for beyond his acting career?

In addition to his acting career, Scatman Crothers was known for his talent as a voice actor in animated films and TV shows.

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Career in Music

At the age of 15, Scatman Crothers began his musical career as a drummer in a local speakeasy band. He played a variety of instruments, including guitar and drums, in bands in his early days. He then formed his own band and travelled to Oakland with the band in 1948. He also recorded many solo albums and singles.

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American Film & Theater Personalities

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Film Career

Scatman Crothers made his official film debut in the 1953 flick ‘Meet Me at the Fair’. He then appeared in the movies ‘East of Sumatra’, ‘Johnny Dark’, ‘Tarzan and the Trappers’ and ‘Porgy and Bess’. From 1961 to 1969, the actor did several films out of which only ‘The Sins of Rachel Cade’ and ‘The Patsy’ got him acting credits. Then in 1970, Crothers lent his voice to the character of Scat Cat in the Disney movie ‘The Aristocats’.

After this, the actor got featured in the movies ‘The King of Marvin Gardens’, ‘The Fortune’, ‘Coonskin’, ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest’, ‘Silver Streak’ and ‘The Shootist’. In 1980, he was cast in the horror flick ‘The Shining’. His later film projects include: ‘Bronco Billy’, ‘Zapped’, ‘Two of a Kind’, ‘Twilight Zone: The Movie’ and ‘The Transformers: The Movie’.

Television Career

Even though Crothers worked in the television at the beginning of his career, he came into prominence after doing voice-over work on numerous animated series, beginning with Disney's ‘The Aristocats’. He then did voice work for ‘Harlem Globetrotters’, ‘Hong Kong Phooey’, ‘Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels’ and ‘Trollkins’.

Additionally, the actor also made guest appearances on several popular shows including ‘Bewitched’, ‘McMillan & Wife’, ‘Dragnet’, ‘Adam-12’, ‘Kojak’, ‘Kolchak: The Night Stalker’, ‘Starsky and Hutch’, ‘Sanford and Son’, ‘Charlie's Angels’, ‘Taxi’ and ‘The Love Boat’, to name a few. Crothers starred in the short-lived television series ‘Casablanca’, ‘One of the Boys’ and ‘Morningstar/Eveningstar ‘. He also appeared in a supporting role on the sitcom ‘Chico and the Man’.

Personal Life

Scatman Crothers was born as Benjamin Sherman Crothers on May 23, 1910 in Terre Haute, Indiana, USA, to parents Fredonia Lewis and Benjamin Crothers. He married Helen Sullivan and raised a child with her.

A heavy smoker for most of his life, the actor was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1985. Despite his failing health, he continued working until he was too ill to even speak. On November 22, 1986, he died of pneumonia at his home in California, aged 76. He was later buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Los Angeles.

Facts About Scatman Crothers

Scatman Crothers was not only a talented actor and musician, but he was also a skilled voice actor. He provided the voice for characters in popular animated shows like "The Transformers" and "Hong Kong Phooey."

Crothers had a love for motorcycles and was an avid rider. He often rode his motorcycle to film sets and events.

In addition to his acting career, Crothers was a skilled drummer and performed with jazz legends such as Nat King Cole and Lionel Hampton.

Crothers had a unique talent for playing the harmonica and often showcased his skills during live performances and on television shows.

Despite his busy schedule in Hollywood, Crothers always made time to give back to his community through charity work and volunteering at local schools and hospitals.

Scatman Crothers Biography

You wanted to know

What was Scatman Crothers' role in the movie "The Shining?"

In which animated film did Scatman Crothers provide his voice for a character?

What was Scatman Crothers' profession before becoming an actor?

Which popular TV series featured Scatman Crothers in a recurring role?

What was Scatman Crothers known for beyond his acting career?