James Baskett - Actor Profile

James Baskett

Acting
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
10Total Films
7.0 Highest Rated
Born: Feb 16, 1904
Birth Place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

About James Baskett

James Franklin Baskett (February 16, 1904 – July 9, 1948) was an American actor who portrayed Uncle Remus, singing the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" in the 1946 Disney feature film Song of the South. In recognition of his portrayal of Remus, he was given an Honorary Academy Award in 1948, making him the first Black male performer to receive an Oscar.

Known For: Acting

James Baskett Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of James Baskett reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 10 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of James Baskett's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 30% of James Baskett's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Dumbo, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best James Baskett Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from James Baskett's career based on audience ratings.

★7.0
Dumbo (1941) movie poster
★7.0

Dumbo: Dumbo is a baby elephant born with over-sized ears and a supreme lack of confidence. But thanks to his even more diminut

Dumbo

1941•Animation
★7.0
20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang (1933) movie poster
★7.0

20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang: Four convicts escape from a chain gang. Shortly thereafter, changes are made at the prison, because a blue ribbon commis

20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang

1933•Comedy
★6.5
Song of the South (1946) movie poster
★6.5

Song of the South: Uncle Remus draws upon his tales of Br'er Rabbit to help little Johnny deal with his confusion over his parents' separat

Song of the South

1946•Family
★6.0
Harlem Is Heaven (1932) movie poster
★6.0

Harlem Is Heaven: Bill "Bojangles" Robinson made his movie acting debut in this 1932 film, featuring Putney Dandridge, James Baskett (Osca

Harlem Is Heaven

1932•Drama
★5.3
The Heavenly Body (1944) movie poster
★5.3

The Heavenly Body: The beautiful wife of a tweedy astronomer becomes convinced that her astrologer's prediction of a new dream man in her l

The Heavenly Body

1944•Comedy

Full Filmography

Every movie James Baskett has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1946 Song of the South Uncle Remus / Br'er Fox (Voice) Hit Similar →
1944 The Heavenly Body Porter (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1943 Revenge of the Zombies Lazarus Flop Similar →
1941 Dumbo Fats Crow (voice) (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Comes Midnight - Flop Similar →
1939 Straight to Heaven First Detective Flop Similar →
1938 Gone Harlem - Flop Similar →
1938 Policy Man Jimmie Flop Similar →
1933 20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang - Hit Similar →
1932 Harlem Is Heaven - Average Similar →

James Baskett - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of James Baskett?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James Baskett is "Dumbo" with a rating of 7.0/10.

How many movies has James Baskett acted in?

James Baskett has been featured in at least 10 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by James Baskett?

Other notable films include "20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang", "Song of the South", and "Harlem Is Heaven".

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