Talk:Jester Hairston

What a fascinating bio! I just watched him in "In the Heat of the Night" for at least the 18th or 19th time now since 1967, and decided to see if he might have a Wikipedia entry, never imagining that the small dignified fellow playing Endicott's butler had anything more than an obscure acting career. And not only does it turn out that he had many roles in a variety of TV and cinematic roles, but that acting was only a SIDELINE for this multi-talented musician and composer. And a founder of the SAG, to boot! It's unfortunate Hairston didn't hang on a bit longer and reach the century mark, but this sure demonstrates why it's worthwhile to research even the obscure players in every film, for you never know what you might find. Oh, and Hairston's bit part with Steiger, Portier and Larry Gates (as Endicott), however brief, was extremely nuanced--just notice at how he looks at Steiger and Portier departing, and then turns to his employer and shakes his head in dismay--a silent yet powerful performance from someone who made quite an impact on the arts. [signed] FLORIDA BRYAN — Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.99.22.25 (talk) 07:52, 20 February 2012 (UTC)