Actor, Professional Football Player. He held the distinction as being one of the earliest African Americans to play in the Canadian Football League. He played football at Langston High School in Arkansas, prior to moving on to the collegiate level at Kentucky State University, where he established himself as one of the school's all time greats. Initially, he played with the Hollywood Bears; a semi-pro team, due to the early years of integration of black players being introduced to the professional ranks. However, this opened the door for Anderson to try acting as an alternative profession and the result was him being cast in the classic picture "The Story of Seabiscuit" (1949). He would have further roles in the films "Samson and Delilah" (1949), "I Was a Communist for the FBI" (1951), "African Treasure" (1952), "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" (1952) and "City Beneath the Sea" (1953). He was able to break into football professionally with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference in 1947. For six seasons (1949 to 1954), he played at the offensive end position with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. During his first season with Calgary (1949), he contributed to the Stampeders' reaching of the Grey Cup Finals, while he achieved all star status. In 1953, he again distinguished himself when he received all star honors for a second-time. He received the nickname "Sugarfoot" for his quick and decisive skills on the football field. After retiring from football, he remained with the Stampeders' organization and served at different capacities. He was added to the Stampeders' Wall of Fame in 1990.
Actor, Professional Football Player. He held the distinction as being one of the earliest African Americans to play in the Canadian Football League. He played football at Langston High School in Arkansas, prior to moving on to the collegiate level at Kentucky State University, where he established himself as one of the school's all time greats. Initially, he played with the Hollywood Bears; a semi-pro team, due to the early years of integration of black players being introduced to the professional ranks. However, this opened the door for Anderson to try acting as an alternative profession and the result was him being cast in the classic picture "The Story of Seabiscuit" (1949). He would have further roles in the films "Samson and Delilah" (1949), "I Was a Communist for the FBI" (1951), "African Treasure" (1952), "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" (1952) and "City Beneath the Sea" (1953). He was able to break into football professionally with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference in 1947. For six seasons (1949 to 1954), he played at the offensive end position with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. During his first season with Calgary (1949), he contributed to the Stampeders' reaching of the Grey Cup Finals, while he achieved all star status. In 1953, he again distinguished himself when he received all star honors for a second-time. He received the nickname "Sugarfoot" for his quick and decisive skills on the football field. After retiring from football, he remained with the Stampeders' organization and served at different capacities. He was added to the Stampeders' Wall of Fame in 1990.
Bio by: C.S.
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