full name: Eugene William Jackson, Jr.
early nickname: Gene
professional nickname: Pineapple
born Dec. 25, 1916, in Buffalo, NY
died Oct. 26, 2001, in Compton, CA, of a heart attack
Special note: The full name given above is the way Gene's name appears in his contract with the Roach studio. Elsewhere, it has appeared as Eugene William Jackson II,
but this probably would have been subsequent to the birth of his same-named son.
Also of special note: The filmography contained within Gene's autobiography differs in many places from his IMDb page. He states that there would have been hundreds of
films, TV episodes and commercials that he appeared in, sometimes merely as an extra, and that he had long-forgotten the titles of most of them. However, there are many titles
in his book that don't appear in IMDb. I've tentatively included all of the titles from both sources, but it's very possible that some of them are inaccurate. If a
title doesn't appear in IMDb, it might be due to Gene not being readily recognizable in the film, or it might be that somebody inputting the info into IMDb actually disputed
Gene's involvement. If anybody out there would like to correct any of the information listed below, be sure to email me at BtheW@aol.com, and I'll be happy to consider
your argument.
1920
- At the age of three, Gene first performed publicly by dancing at his grandfather's barber shop in Houston, Texas. His mother had, by this time, divorced his father and
moved back, along with Gene, to her hometown of Houston probably sometime during 1918.
1922
- Gene and his family moved to Los Angeles when he was five years old. His grandfather landed a job at another barber shop, and Gene got a job, dancing while he swept the floor
and picking up tips as he did so.
- By the time of his sixth birthday, Gene was dancing for spare change on the street corners.
1923
- Gene frequently entered the Saturday night amateur contest at the Rosebud Theater near his home, routinely taking first prize, which would be a bag of groceries. The song he
sang in his first contest was "You Got To See Your Mama Every Night Or You Can't See Your Mama At All." He was soon nicknamed the "Shimmy King" by the
patrons. The theater manager recommended that Gene try out for the movies, and he soon landed a role in the next May McAvoy feature. Gene himself wrote that all of this happened
when he was seven, but his seventh birthday didn't come along until months after the release of the McAvoy feature. Also, judging by the release dates, it's possible that
the film was not the first that he worked in.
- At some point, Gene also entered a Charleston contest at the Shrine Auditorium, winning second prize.
- Penrod And Sam (role: Herman)
- June 18, 1923 - J.K. McDonald/First National - 7 reels - feature
- ©June 18, 1923. Credited as Gene Jackson. Featuring Ben Alexander & Joe Butterworth.
- Her Reputation (role: boy)
- Sep. 1923 - Thomas H. Ince/First National - 7 reels - May McAvoy feature
- ©Aug. 21, 1923.
- Boy Of Mine (role: Vestibule Johnson)
- Dec. 30, 1923 - J.K. McDonald/First National - 7 reels - feature
- ©Dec. 31, 1923. Featuring Ben Alexander.
1924
- Starting this year, Gene was associated with both Central Casting and the Black Casting Agency.
- After briefly working with the Reg'lar Kids, Gene first worked in the Our Gang series during July as a short-term contract player. It was Hal Roach who christened him
"Pineapple," based on the shape of his haircut.
- On September 8th, Gene was signed to a long-term (apparently 3-year) contract for 50 dollars a week.
- In December, Gene was given notice 30 days in advance that his contract would be terminated on Jan. 25th of the following year.
- The Thief Of Bagdad (role: boy)
- Mar. 18, 1924 - Fairbanks/UA - 14 reels - Douglas Fairbanks feature
- The date given is for the New York premiere. ©Mar. 23, 1924.
- Good Scouts (role: one of the Reg'lar Kids)
- Nov. 3, 1924 - Winkler - 2 reels - Reg'lar Kids series
- An Afternoon Tee (role: one of the Reg'lar Kids)
- Nov. 15, 1924 - Winkler - 2 reels - Reg'lar Kids series
- 33. The Mysterious Mystery! (supporting role: Snowball)
- Dec. 14, 1924 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-33 - Our Gang series
- Filmed June 30 to July 19, 1924, with retakes Sep. 9 and 12, 1924, and added scenes Sep. 13 and 15, 1924. ©Dec. 11, 1924.
1925
- The Jan. 25th termination seems to have been postponed, as Gene remained with the Our Gang unit until the current production, "Shootin' Injuns," finished
shooting on Feb. 5th.
- Gene continued to work regularly in films over the next couple of years, but without any longterm deal.
- 34. The Big Town (supporting role)
- Jan. 11, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-34 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Sep. 22 to Oct. 2, 1924. ©Dec. 9, 1924.
- 35. Circus Fever (supporting role: Gene)
- Feb. 8, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-35 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 20 to 25, and Nov. 1 to 4, 1924. ©Jan. 19, 1925.
- 36. Dog Days (supporting role)
- Mar. 8, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-36 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Oct. 29 to Nov. 5, and Nov. 17 to 24, 1924. ©Mar. 5, 1925.
- 37. The Love Bug (supporting role)
- Apr. 5, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-37 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Dec. 15 to 31, 1924, and possibly early Jan. 1925. ©Apr. 2, 1925.
- 39. Shootin' Injuns (supporting role: Gene)
- May 3, 1925 - Roach/Pathé - 2 reels - prod. A-39 - Our Gang series
- Filmed Jan. 19 to Feb. 5, 1925. ©Apr. 2, 1925.
- Twinkle, Twinkle (appearance)
- June 14, 1925 - Pathé - 1 reel - Grantland Rice Sportlight
- ©May 8, 1925. Featuring the Our Gang kids.
- Little Annie Rooney (role: Humidor)
- Oct. 18, 1925 - Pickford/UA - 10 reels - Mary Pickford feature
- ©Sep. 8, 1925.
1926
- Debuting this year, and continuing into 1927, was an Our Gang comic strip called La Pandilla, which included Gene among the characters.
- Buster's Orphan Party (role: orphan)
- Jul. 21, 1926 - Stern/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series
- ©Apr. 10, 1926. A Century Comedy.
- Flirty Four-Flushers (bit part: boy eating watermelon)
- Dec. 26, 1926 - Sennett/Pathé - 2 reels - Madeline Hurlock & Billy Bevan comedy
- Filmed sometime after Sep. 6, 1926. ©Dec. 13, 1926. Prod. no. 265.
1927
- During this period, when he wasn't doing film work, Gene was working as a page boy at the Criterion Theatre. During this year, he was there when "The Patent Leather
Kid" was shown at the theatre, and was given a patent leather suit to wear for the job.
- Buster's Dark Mystery (supporting role)
- Mar. 7, 1927 - Stern/Universal - 2 reels - Buster Brown series
- ©Aug. 17, 1926.
- The Jazz Singer (undetermined role)
- prem. Oct. 6, 1927 - Warner Bros. - 9 reels - Al Jolson feature
- ©Oct. 6, 1927. Released Feb. 4, 1928. Hybrid silent/talkie. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- Uncle Tom's Cabin (role: Tom's son)
- prem. Nov. 4, 1927 - Universal - 13 reels - feature
- Released Sep. 2, 1928. ©Nov. 10, 1927. Starring Margarita Fischer & James B. Lowe. Gene remembered playing two parts in this film, "Pete" and
"Sam."
- Little Mickey Grogan (role: dancing boy)
- Dec. 27, 1927 - FBO - 6 reels - Frankie Darro feature
- ©Dec. 27, 1927.
1928
- During this year, Gene's association with the Black Casting Agency ended.
- When Gene was 10 or 11 years old, he began taking tap-dancing lessons, which led to him performing at various lodges and social clubs, as well as his church.
- After this, he and his brother Freddie joined a vaudeville troupe that performed on weekends at the Gaiety Theater. After their troupe was stiffed by a promoter after doing a
performance in Long Beach, Gene and Freddie decided to form their own dance team.
- During this period, Gene also appeared on radio.
1929
- Sometime after Gene appeared in "Hearts In Dixie," he and his brother Freddie were put into a kiddie revue act called Chincapin and His Pickaninny Revue,
which played at Oceanside Park.
- After this, Gene and his brother danced as part of Lionel Hampton's act, which toured the southern coast of California.
- Hearts In Dixie (role: Chinquapin)
- May 1929 - Fox - talkie - 8 reels - feature
- ©Mar. 16, 1929. Featuring Stepin Fetchit & Clarence Muse.
- Fox Movietone Follies Of 1929 (role: boy in "Break Away" number)
- May 25, 1929 - Fox - talkie - 14 reels - feature
- ©May 8, 1929. Featuring John Breeden & Lola Lane. Gene sang, along with Jeanette Dancey, a song called "Breakaway."
- Uncle's Visit (role: boy)
- June 30, 1929 - Van Beuren/Pathé - silent - 2 reels - Smitty and His Pals series
- It's A Great Life (undetermined role)
- Dec. 6, 1929 - MGM - talkie - 11 reels - The Duncan Sisters feature
- ©Dec. 29, 1929. Also released in 7 reel silent version. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
1930
- Cameo Kirby (role: river boy)
- Jan. 12, 1930 - Fox - 7 reels - J. Harold Murray & Norma Terris feature
- ©Nov. 30, 1929.
- Dixiana (role: Cupid)
- July 22, 1930 - RKO - 12 reels - Bebe Daniels & Everett Marshall feature
- ©Aug. 16, 1930.
- The Big Trail (undetermined role)
- prem. Oct. 2, 1930 - Fox - 14 reels -
- ©Sep. 30, 1930. Released Nov. 1, 1930. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb. Featuring John Wayne, Marguerite Churchill, and El Brendel.
1931
- While in high school, Gene performed in a school play called Babs. This was in addition to performing in nightclubs and taverns. He also joined the high school band for
two semesters.
- The Jackson Brothers continued to work regularly in vaudeville thoughtout this era, mostly around southern California.
- The Hollywood Reporter, while mentioning Gene's involvement in "Sporting Chance," stated that he was currently being handled by the Morrison Agency.
- In November of this year, the Jackson Brothers began rehearsing a new act, with Gene doing impressions of celebrities in addition to the dancing. The rehearsals continued for
about four months.
- Cimarron (role: Isaiah)
- prem. Jan. 26, 1931 - RKO - 13 reels - feature
- ©Dec. 31, 1930. Released Feb. 9, 1931. Featuring Richard Dix & Irene Dunne.
- The Messenger Boy (role: harmonica player)
- June 29, 1931 - RKO-Pathé - 2 reels - Benny Rubin series
- ©June 29, 1931.
- Sporting Blood (role: Sam aka Sammy)
- Aug. 8, 1931 - MGM - 9 reels - Clark Gable feature
- ©Aug. 5, 1931.
- Sporting Chance (role: Horseshoe)
- Oct. 25, 1931 - Peerless - 7 reels - Buster Collier feature
- Secret Service (role: Israel Polk)
- Nov. 14, 1931 - RKO - 7 reels - Richard Dix feature
- ©Nov. 2, 1931.
1932
- On February 5th of this year, the Jackson Brothers departed on their personal vaudeville tour, which would take them to 89 cities in 16 states, first opening in Oakland on
February 9th. The act was booked as Eugene Jackson and His Family Of Five. In addition to the singing and dancing, Gene would recreate scenes from "Cimarron" and
"Sporting Blood."
- Gene promoted his tour in a 30 minute radio broadcast from the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley.
- In July, the troupe arrived in Chicago, and then broke off from their promoter and used Chicago as their headquarters for the next five months.
1933
- Eugene Jackson and company continued their vaudeville tour during the early part of this year, gradually making their way back to California.
- In March, while in Oklahoma, the Jackson brothers became part of a show called the Southern Brevities.
-
- In April, the Jackson brothers left the Southern Brevities and departed Oklahoma to continue towards home.
- Sometime after May, the brothers arrived home in Los Angeles.
- King Of The Jungle (role: son of safari king)
- Jan. 19, 1933 - Paramount - 8 reels - feature
- ©Mar. 9, 1933. Featuring The Lion Man (Buster Crabbe) and Frances Dee. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
1935
- During this period, Gene began to appear in films more frequently, notably as a recurring player in the Gene Autry westerns.
- Ladies Crave Excitement (role: Lightcrust)
- June 22, 1935 - Mascot - 7 reels - feature
- ©June 22, 1935. Featuring Norman Foster, Evalyn Knapp & Esther Ralston.
- Cheers Of The Crowd (undetermined role)
- Aug. 5, 1935 - Monogram - 7 reels - feature
- ©Aug. 5, 1935. Featuring Russell Hopton & Irene Ware. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- Tumbling Tumbleweeds (role: Eightball)
- Sep. 5, 1935 - Mascot/Republic - 6 reels - Gene Autry feature
- ©Aug. 30, 1935. Gene dances during the performance of "Corn-fed And Rusty." He's also shown pretending to play the violin during Gene Autry's
performance of "That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine."
1936
- Red River Valley (role: Iodine)
- Mar. 2, 1936 - Republic - 6 reels - Gene Autry feature
- © Apr. 27, 1936. Gene dances to "Instrumental Dance #1."
- The Singing Kid (role: dancer)
- Apr. 11, 1936 - Warner Bros. - 10 reels - Al Jolson feature
- ©Apr. 24, 1936. IMDb doesn't mention Gene's involvement in this film. In his autobiography, he mentions working in this film directly after his Honolulu trip in
late 1941, which is obviously inaccurate.
- The Lonely Trail (role: harmonica player/dancer)
- May 25, 1936 - Republic - 6 reels - John Wayne feature
- ©May 25, 1936. Gene dances during the performance of "Old Folks At Home (Swanee River)."
- Hearts In Bondage (role: Sam)
- May 26, 1936 - Republic - 8 reels - feature
- ©July 10, 1936. Featuring James Dunn, Mae Clarke, David Manners & Charlotte Henry.
- Guns And Guitars (role: Eightball)
- June 22, 1936 - Republic - 6 reels - Gene Autry feature
- ©June 22, 1936. Gene dances during the performance of "Gwine To Rune All Night (De Camptown Races)."
- Born To Dance (undetermined role)
- Nov. 27, 1936 - MGM - 11 reels - Eleanor Powell feature
- ©Nov. 23, 1936. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
1937
- Midnight Court (role: Garfield Brown)
- Mar. 6, 1937 - Warner Bros. - 7 reels - Ann Dvorak feature
- ©Feb. 10, 1937.
- It Can't Last Forever (role: one of the Jackson Brothers)
- July 15, 1937 - Columbia - 7 reels - feature
- ©June 24, 1937. Featuring Ralph Bellamy, Betty Furness, Richard Armstrong & Raymond Walburn.
- Blonde Trouble (role: Bootblack)
- Aug. 6, 1937 - Paramount - 7 reels - feature
- ©Aug. 6, 1937. Featuring Eleanore Whitney, Johnny Downs, Lynne Overman & Terry Walker.
- Wine, Women And Horses (role: Eight Ball)
- Sep. 11, 1937 - Warner Bros. - 8 reels - Barton MacLane & Ann Sheridan feature
- ©July 26, 1937.
- Thoroughbreds Don't Cry (role: stable boy)
- Dec. 3, 1937 - MGM - 8 reels - feature
- ©Nov. 24, 1937. Featuring Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Sophie Tucker, C. Aubrey Smith & Ronald Sinclair.
1938
- After tearing some ligaments while trying to do the splits the way some of the acrobatic dancers did, Gene took up the saxophone and formed his own band, with brother Freddie
on the drums. They initially played at local venues. Before long, he had added dancing girls to the act. Eventually, Dorothy and Vivian Dandridge were recruited as dancers and the
act became known as The Five Rhythmatics with the Dandridge Sisters. The troupe eventually did a show called Rhapsody In Black Rhythm.
- Somewhere around this time, Gene also purchased a dance studio.
- The Buccaneer (role: James Smith)
- Feb. 4, 1938 - Paramount - 13 reels - Fredric March feature
- ©Feb. 4, 1938. Also featuring Franciska Gaal.
- Anaesthesia (role: boy in 1839 segment)
- July 9, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - Pete Smith Specialties series
- ©June 22, 1938.
- You Can't Take It With You (role: street dancer)
- Sep. 29, 1938 - Columbia - 13 reels - feature
- ©Sep. 6, 1938. Featuring Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart & Edward Arnold. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- Arrest Bulldog Drummond (role: hotel page boy)
- Nov. 25, 1938 - Paramount - 6 reels - John Howard & Heather Angel feature
- ©Nov. 25, 1938.
- Tom Sawyer, Detective (role: boy)
- Dec. 23, 1938 - Paramount - 7 reels - Donald O'Connor & Billy Cook feature
- ©Dec. 23, 1938.
- Kentucky (role: Jimmy)
- Dec. 30, 1938 - 20th Century-Fox - 11 reels - Loretta Young & Richard Greene feature
- ©Dec. 30, 1938.
- Rhythm Rodeo (role: tap dancer)
- 1938 - George Randol Productions - short
- Gene dances with his brother Freddie.
1939
- The Lady's From Kentucky (role: Winfield)
- prem. Apr. 26, 1939 - Paramount - 8 reels - George Raft & Ellen Drew feature
- Released Apr. 28, 1939. ©Apr. 28, 1939.
- Reform School (role: Pete)
- Apr. 27, 1939 - Million Dollar Productions - 58 min. - Louise Beavers feature
- Also known as Prison Bait. Also featuring Harlem's "Tuff Kids."
- Boy Friend (role: porter)
- May 19, 1939 - 20th Century-Fox - 70 min. - Jane Withers feature
- ©May 19, 1939.
- At The Circus (undetermined role)
- Oct. 20, 1939 - MGM - 9 reels - Marx Bros. feature
- ©Oct. 10, 1939. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- Television Spy (role: Tommy)
- Oct. 20, 1939 - Paramount - 6 reels - feature
- ©Oct. 20, 1939. Featuring William Henry, Judith Barrett, William Collier, Sr., Anthony Quinn & Richard Denning.
- The Honeymoon's Over (role: parking man)
- Dec. 14, 1939 - 20th Century-Fox - 7 reels - Stuart Erwin & Marjorie Weaver feature
1940
- Seventeen (role: attendant)
- Mar. 1, 1940 - Paramount - 8 reels - Jackie Cooper & Betty Field feature
- ©Mar. 1, 1940.
- Sporting Blood (role: Sam the horse groom)
- July 12, 1940 - MGM - 9 reels - feature
- ©July 9, 1940. Featuring Robert Young, Maureen O'Sullivan & Lewis Stone.
- Melody And Moonlight (role: dancer)
- Oct. 11, 1940 - Republic - 8 reels - Johnny Downs & Barbara (Vera Vague) Allen feature
- ©Oct. 11, 1940.
1941
- During the last week of October of this year, Gene travelled by ship to Honolulu. He performed as part of the Black and Tan Harlem Strutters, which was headquartered in
Honolulu, but played in Hilo and on Maui as well.
- Gene was present during the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th. With a curfew in effect, he had to resort to manual labor to earn money, while trying to find a way to get
home to the mainland.
- On December 14th, Gene performed in a Christmas show put on for local orphans. It was here that he met up with a family that had a couple of young boys who also performed in
the show, and Gene was hired to teach them tapdancing.
- On December 25th, his 25th birthday, Gene was finally able to board a ship home. On the spur of the moment, Gene arranged a jam session with a pianist on the ship, which made
the two of them some much-needed money. On the third and final night, this developed into a variety show, with various passengers taking part.
- Gene was back home on the evening of December 29th.
- Golden Hoofs (role: Curly)
- Feb. 14, 1941 - 20th Century-Fox - 68 min. - Jane Withers feature
- ©Jan. 14, 1941.
- Unfinished Business (role: bootblack)
- Aug. 27, 1941 - Universal - 10 reels - Irene Dunne & Robert Montgomery feature
- ©Aug. 26, 1941.
- Dumbo (co-choreographer)
- Oct. 31, 1941 - Disney/RKO - 8 reels - animated feature
- ©Aug. 8, 1941. Gene and half brother Freddie's dance routines were used as a live-action reference for the crows.
1942
- During this year, Gene started working at the Four O Club in Long Beach with his trio.
- Reap The Wild Wind (role: Dr. Jepson's servant)
- Mar. 18, 1942 - Paramount - 13 reels - feature
- ©Jan. 30, 1942. Filmed in Technicolor. Featuring John Wayne, Susan Hayward, Ray Milland & Paulette Goddard.
- Take My Life (role: Bill)
- July 3, 1942 - Godseal/Consolidated National - 70 min. - The Harlem Dead End Kids feature
- Also known as Murder Rap.
1943
- On April 23rd of this year, Gene was inducted into the Army and became a clarinetist for the Army band at Fort Huachuca. He became part of the G.I. Rhapsody show that
toured Arizona, and eventually performed at the Hollywood Canteen, sometimes appearing on the radio in the process. He also formed a trio that performed at the NCO club on the
base.
- Reveille With Beverly (role: Franklin Delano Lincoln Van Buren Jones)
- Feb. 4, 1943 - Columbia - 8 reels - feature
- ©Feb. 4, 1943. Featuring Ann Miller.
- Moo Cow Boogie (role:piano player/dancer)
- 1943 - RCM/Soundies - 11 min. - Soundies series
- Gene played piano to accompany Dorothy Dandridge and also did some dancing with his brother Freddie. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- What's Buzzin', Cousin? (role: bellboy)
- July 8, 1943 - Columbia - 8 reels - feature
- ©July 8, 1943. Featuring Ann Miller, Rochester & Freddy Martin.
1945
- On December 14th of this year, Gene was married his wife Sue.
1946
- In April of this year, Gene was discharged from the Army. After this, he worked various clubs with a musical act called The Jackson Trio with his brother Freddie on
drums and various piano players that came and went. He would spend the next seven years mostly on the road.
- Lady Luck (undetermined role)
- prem. Oct. 30, 1946 - RKO Radio - 97 min. - feature
- ©Aug. 30, 1946. Featuring Robert Young, Barbara Hale & Frank Morgan. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
1948
- Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (role: Tony)
- Mar. 10, 1948 - 20th Century-Fox - 10 reels - June Haver feature
- ©Mar. 11, 1948. Filmed in Technicolor.
- A Song Is Born (role: nightclub patron)
- Oct. 19, 1948 - Goldwyn/RKO - 12 reels - Danny Kaye & Virginia Mayo feature
- ©Dec. 31, 1947. Filmed in Technicolor.
1949
- The Story Of Seabiscuit (role: stablehand)
- Nov. 12, 1949 - Warner Bros. - 98 min. - Shirley Temple & Barry Fitzgerald feature
1950
- On June 6th, Louella Parsons included this tidbit in her syndicated column: "Attention, members of the old Hal Roach 'Our Gang' Alumni! Monogram is making a picture,
'Hot Rod,' and wants 'Farina' (Eugene Jackson), Barbara O'Brien, Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer, Darla Hood and the others."
- The Killer That Stalked New York (role: Bootblack)
- Dec. 1, 1950 - Robert Cahn/Columbia - 98 min. - feature
- ©Sep. 5, 1950. Also known as Frightened City. Featuring Evelyn Keyes, Charles Korvin & William Bishop.
1951
- During this year, Gene appeared in his first episode of The Amos 'n' Andy Show, playing a Western Union messenger boy.
- Boston Blackie episode: Toy Factory Murder (role: Little Joe)
- Nov. 19, 1951 - ZIV Television Programs - 30 min. - TV episode
1952
- During the making of "The Iron Mistress," The Jackson Trio played at Alan Ladd's birthday party.
- Also during this year, Gene reprised his role in Amos 'n' Andy in two separate epiosdes.
- The Iron Mistress (role: footman)
- Nov. 19, 1952 - Warner Bros. - 110 min. - Alan Ladd & Virginia Mayo feature
- ©Nov. 8, 1952. Filmed in Technicolor.
1953
- During this year, Gene appeared in a magazine ad for Buescher Saxophones, which played up his Our Gang connections, referring to him as Eugene "Farina" Jackson.
- According to Gene, The Jackson Trio's seven years on the road came to an end during this year.
- The Amos 'N Andy Show episode: Sapphire's Sister (role: the telegram messenger)
- May 14, 1953 - CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
- Your Favorite Story episode: Vice Versa (undetermined role)
- Jul. 24, 1953 - ZIV/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
1954
- Drum Beat (undetermined role)
- prem. Nov. 10, 1954 - Jaguar-Ladd/Warner Bros. - 111 min. - Alan Ladd feature
- ©Nov. 13, 1954. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
1955
- The Jackson Trio were, at this time, being referred to as Dooto Recording Artists. Gene's involvement with Dooto Records seems to have been primarily to make comedy
recordings with Freddie Baker.
- Also during this year, presumably in time for Christmas, the Jackson Trio released a single on the Hollywood record label. The A-side was "Jingle Bell Hop"
(credited to the Jackson Trio with The Ebonaires) and the B-side was "Love For Christmas" (written by Gene's brother Freddie).
- Soldiers Of Fortune episode: The Gaboon Viper (role: Porter)
- Jan. 17, 1955 - Revue/MCA-TV - 30 min. - TV episode
- ©Jan. 17, 1955.
- Trial (role: man at defense fund rally)
- Oct. 7, 1955 - MGM - 105 min. - Glenn Ford & Dorothy McGuire feature
- ©Aug. 15, 1955.
- Artists And Models (role: saxophone player)
- Nov. 7, 1955 - Paramount - 109 min. - Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis feature
- ©Dec. 21, 1955. Filmed in Technicolor and VistaVision.
1956
- Gene moved his family to Compton during this year and began using his garage to give dancing lessons. Eventually, he bought a building down the street and turned it into a
dance studio.
- On October 5th of this year, Gene applied for membership in the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and officially became a member on October 27th.
- Also during this year, the Jackson Trio with The Ebonaires released a single on the Hollywood record label. The A-side was "Let's Kiss Hello Again"
(written by Gene's brother Freddie) and the B-side was "Jivarama Hop" (written by Eugene Jackson himself).
- At some later point in time, the Jackson Trio released another single, this time on the Lucky label (apparently a subsidiary of Hollywood Records). The A-side was
"Snake In The Grass" (written by Gene and his brother Freddie), and the B-side was "Greasy Greens."
- Other songs released by Gene during this period were "Voote," "You're My Breakdown," "Without Sin," "Let Me Love You Tonight,"
"Mad About You" and "Hound Dog."
1957
- Jeanne Eagels (role: man)
- Aug. 2, 1957 - Columbia - 13 reels - Kim Novak & Jeff Chandler feature
- ©Aug. 1, 1957.
- The Adventures Of Jim Bowie episode: Hare And Tortoise (role: Lucius)
- Nov. 22, 1957 - Desilu/Bowie/ABC - 30 min. - TV episode
1958
- The Long, Hot Summer (role: waiter)
- Mar 12, 1958 - Wald/20th Century-Fox - 115 min. - feature
- ©Mar. 13, 1958. Filmed in DeLuxe Color. Featuring Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Anthony Franciosa, Orson Welles, Lee Remick & Angela Lansbury.
- Shirley Temple's Storybook episode: The Land Of Green Ginger (undetermined role)
- Apr. 18, 1958 - Jaffe/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
- King Creole (role: saxophonist in Blue Shade)
- Jul. 2, 1958 - Wallis-Hazezn/Paramount - 13 reels - Elvis Presley feature
- ©July 1, 1958.
1959
- On June 24th of this year, Porgy And Bess made its premiere. Gene had trained four boys (including his son Gene) to do a dance routine as an audition for this
film, and three of them were accepted.
- Also during this year, Gene and his brother Freddie put out a comedy album on the Dooto label (DTL 279) called "Party Record Party." They were
billed as Gene & Freddy on the front cover and Gene & Freddie on the back cover, labels and spine.
Side one consisted of "The Atomic Brassiere," "The Bride And Groom," "Man With Four Balls," "Foo King," "Fertile Myrtle" and
"The Donkey Roast Party."
Side two consisted of "The Queer Choir," "Oysters And Sex," "Superman's Balls," "The Silver Screw," "Short Arm Inspection"
and "The Sex Hour."
Also released in conjunction with the LP were three separate EPs.
"Party Record Party Volume One Part 1" consisted of "Atomic Brassiere," "The Living Bra," "Fertile Myrtle" and "Foo
King."
"Party Record Party Volume One Part 2" consisted of "Man With Four Balls," "The Donkey Roast Party," "The Queer Choir" and "The
Silver Screw."
"Party Record Party Volume One Part 3" consisted of "Oysters And Sex," "Superman's Balls," "Short Arm Inspection" and "The
Sex Hour."
- At some later date, they released a second LP (Dooto DTL 827) called "Crazy Night Court."
Side one consisted of "Bailiff-Order In The Court," "Judge Dick," "Fertile Myrtle," "Foo King," "Indecent Exposure,"
"Lady Faulkner," "Stinky The Drunk," "The Cool Stool" and "Miss Hot Stuff."
Side two consisted of "Fairy Tales," "Court Adjourned," "Case Of Scotch," "Happy Birthday U.S.O.," "Front Wash Out," "Pink
Pussycat," "Miss Pratt," "Playing With Himself," "Miss Cheesecake's Box," "Rufus Asho Kuntz," "Hello Judge," "Case
Re-opened," "Everybody Rise," "Miss Sweetbread" and "Short Recess."
- The Gene Kelly Show (undetermined role)
- Apr. 24, 1959 - CBS - 1 hour - TV special
- Listed in the filmography in Gene's book as The Gene Kelly Pontiac Special, but not in IMDb.
- North By Northwest (role: security guard at auction)
- prem. July 1, 1959 - MGM - 16 reels - Cary Grant feature
- ©June 30, 1959. Released Dec. 18, 1959. Filmed in Technicolor.
- The Gene Krupa Story (role: saxophone player)
- Dec. 23, 1959 - Waxman/Columbia - 101 min. - feature
- Featuring Sal Mineo, Susan Kohner & James Darren.
1960
- During this year, Gene trained his son, Gene, and another boy named Eddie Graves in a tapdancing shoeshine act. The two boys wound up working at Disneyland, with the younger
Gene staying there for ten years.
- The Apartment (role: office worker)
- June 15, 1960 - Mirisch/UA - 13 reels - feature
- ©June 15, 1960. Featuring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine & Fred MacMurray.
1961
- Cain's Hundred episode: Comeback (role: gym worker)
- Nov. 7, 1961 - Vandas/MGM-TV/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- ©Dec. 31, 1961.
1962
- Cain's Hundred episode: Cost Of Living: Howard Judlow (role: observer outside courthouse)
- Mar. 20, 1962 - Vandas/MGM-TV/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- ©Dec. 31, 1962.
- Sweet Bird Of Youth (role: bellhop)
- Mar. 21, 1962 - Roxbury/MGM - 120 min. - Paul Newman & Geraldine Page feature
- ©Dec. 31, 1961. Filmed in Metrocolor.
- Two Weeks In Another Town (role: commuter at airport)
- Aug. 17, 1962 - MGM - 107 min. - Kirk Douglas & Edward G. Robinson feature
- ©Aug. 22, 1962. Filmed in Metrocolor.
- Sam Benedict episode: Hannigan (role: courtroom spectator)
- Sep. 15, 1962 - MGM-TV/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Sam Benedict episode: Tears For A Nobody Doll (role: courtroom spectator)
- Oct. 13, 1962 - MGM-TV/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Sam Benedict episode: Where There's A Will (role: loader)
- Dec. 22, 1962 - MGM-TV/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Who's Got The Action? (role: elevator passenger)
- Dec. 25, 1962 - Amro-Claude-Mea/Paramount - 93 min. - Dean Martin & Lana Turner feature
- ©Dec. 21, 1962. Filmed in Technicolor and Panavision.
- 40 Pounds Of Trouble (undetermined rol)
- Dec. 31, 1962 - Curtis/Universal-International - 106 min. - Tony Curtis feature
- ©Feb. 9, 1962. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
1963
- Sam Benedict episode: Not Even The Gulls Shall Weep (role: courtroom spectator)
- Jan. 5, 1963 - MGM-TV/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Sam Benedict episode: Of Rusted Cannons And Fallen Sparrows (role: courtroom spectator)
- Mar. 23, 1963 - MGM-TV/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Critic's Choice (role: audience member)
- Apr. 13, 1963 - Warner Bros. - 100 min. - Bob Hope & Lucille Ball feature
- ©Apr. 13, 1963. Filmed in Technicolor and Panavision.
- The Fugitive episode: Never Wave Goodbye: Part 1 (role: visitor)
- Oct. 8, 1963 - QM/UA-TV/ABC - 60 min. - TV episode
- ©Oct. 8, 1963.
- 4 For Texas (role: casino worker)
- Dec. 25, 1963 - The Sam Company/Warner Bros. - 124 min. - feature
- ©Jan. 4, 1964. Filmed in Technicolor. Featuring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Anita Ekberg & Ursula Andress.
- Kraft Suspense Theatre episode: The Name Of The Game (role: casino patron)
- Dec. 26, 1963 - Roncom/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- ©Dec. 26, 1963.
1964
- Sometime during the 1964-65 TV season, Gene played a barber in one episode of The Tycoon.
- The Best Man (role: delegate)
- Apr. 6, 1964 - Millar-Turman/UA - 102 min. - feature
- ©Apr. 6, 1964. Featuring Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, Edie Adams, Margaret Leighton, Shelley Berman, Lee Tracy & Ann Sothern.
- Robin And The 7 Hoods (role: congregation member)
- June 24, 1964 - P-C/Warner Bros. - 123 min. - feature
- ©June 27, 1964. Filmed in Technicolor. Featuring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. & Bing Crosby.
- Looking For Love (role: office worker)
- Aug. 5, 1964 - Euterpe-Framnet/MGM - 85 min. - Connie Francis & Jim Hutton feature
- ©Feb. 20, 1964. Filmed in Metrocolor.
- Kisses For My President (role: servant)
- Aug. 21, 1964 - Pearlayne/Warner Bros. - 113 min. - Fred MacMurray & Polly Bergen feature
- ©Oct. 10, 1964.
- Your Cheatin' Heart (role: theatre patron)
- prem. Nov. 4, 1964 - Four Leaf/MGM - 10 reels - feature
- ©July 30, 1964. Released Dec. 1964. Filmed in Panavision. Also known as The Hank Williams Story. Featuring George Hamilton, Susan Oliver, Red Buttons & Arthur
O'Connell.
1965
- Dr. Kildare episode: Believe And Live (role: party guest)
- Apr. 22, 1965 - Arena/MGM-TV/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- ©Apr. 22, 1965.
- Zebra In The Kitchen (role: newsboy)
- June 1965 - MGM - 92 min. - feature
- ©Mar. 2, 1965. Filmed in Metrocolor. Featuring Jay North, Martin Milner & Andy Devine.
- The Man From U.N.C.L.E. episode: Alexander The Greater Affair: Part Two (role: party guest)
- Sep. 24, 1965 - Arena/MGM-TV/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- ©Sep. 17, 1965.
1966
- During this year, the TV series Daktari debuted. In his book, Gene states that he "drove the jeep in every scene." The show lasted until 1969 and was
produced by MGM-TV.
1967
- The Lucy Show episode: Little Old Lucy (role: commuter)
- Oct. 23, 1967 - Desilu/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
1968
- Wild In The Streets (role: congressman)
- May 29, 1968 - AIP - 97 min. - feature
- ©May 29, 1968. Featuring Shelley Winters, Christopher Jones & Diane Varsi.
- Change Of Habit (role: onlooker)
- prem. Nov. 10, 1969 - Universal - 93 min. - Elvis Presley & Mary Tyler Moore feature
- Released Jan. 21, 1970. Filmed in Technicolor.
- Gomer Pyle - USMC episode: A Marriage Of Convenience (role: waiter)
- Nov. 15, 1968 - Ashland/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
- Julia episode: I'm Dreaming Of A Black Christmas (role: Uncle Lou)
- Dec. 24, 1968 - Hancarr/Savannah/20th Century-Fox-TV/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
- Julia episode: The One And Only, Genuine, Original, Family Uncle (role: Uncle Lou)
- Dec. 31, 1968 - Hancarr/Savannah/20th Century-Fox-TV/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
1969
- On August 3rd of this year, The Sun-Telegram of San Bernardino, CA, reported on a benefit show that night at the Embassy Theater in Los Angeles put on by Eugene Jackson.
Proceeds from the show were to benefit philanthropies in Compton and Watts. Among the invited guests were other former Our Gang members: Jackie Lynn Taylor, George Vieira (who
allegedly played "the Bad Boy"), Ernie Morrison, Bob Snyder (who allegedly played "Freckles") and James Frazier, later revealed to be a Buckwheat imposter.
Presumably, not too many in attendance realized that only three of these six people were actually in the series.
- Sometime between this year and 1972, Gene appeared as part of a dance group on The Merv Griffin Show.
1970
- Here's Lucy episode: Lucy And Sammy Davis, Jr. (role: audience member)
- Sep. 28, 1970 - Ball/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
- The Great White Hope (undetermined role)
- prem. Oct. 11, 1970 - Turman/20th Century-Fox - 103 min. - feature
- Released Oct. 16, 1970. Featuring James Earl Jones & Jane Alexander. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- The CBS Friday Night Movies episode: Night Chase (small part)
- Nov. 20, 1970 - Cinema Center 100/CBS - 95 min. - TV movie
1971
- Gene remembered doing various bit parts and extra work on the TV series Cannon, which aired from 1971 to 1976.
- Support Your Local Gunfighter (role: waiter aboard train)
- May 14, 1971 - Cherokee-Brigade/UA - 91 min. - James Garner & Suzanne Pleshette feature
- Here's Lucy episode: Ginger Rogers Comes To Tea (role: theatre patron)
- Nov. 22, 1971 - Ball/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
- Chandler (role: shoe shine boy)
- Dec. 1, 1971 - Open Shadows/MGM - 85 min. - feature
- Filmed in Metrocolor. Featuring Warren Oates & Leslie Caron.
- Alias Smith And Jones episode: Everything Else You Can Steal (role: carriage driver)
- Dec. 16, 1971 - Public Arts/Universal/MCA/ABC - 60 min. - TV episode
1972
- Columbo episode: Blueprint For Murder (role: man in line)
- Feb. 9, 1972 - Universal/MCA/NBC - 75 min. - TV episode
- Aired as an episode of The NBC Mystery Movie.
- O'Hara, U.S. Treasury episode: Operation: Smokescreen (role: casino patron)
- Mar. 10, 1972 - Mark VII/Universal-TV/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
- The Carey Treatment (role: doctor)
- Mar. 29, 1972 - Geoffrey/MGM - 101 min. - James Coburn & Jennifer O'Neill feature
- Now You See Him, Now You Don't (role: counterman)
- Jul. 12, 1972 - Disney/Buena Vista - 88 min. - feature
- Featuring Kurt Russell, Cesar Romero, Joe Flynn, Jim Backus & William Windom.
- Black Girl (role: parishioner)
- Nov. 9, 1972 - Marconlee/Cinema Releasing - 97 min. - feature
- Featuring Brock Peters & Claudia McNeil.
- The Snoop Sisters episode: The Female Instinct (role: depositor)
- Dec. 18, 1972 - Talent Associates-Norton Simon/Universal-TV/NBC - 80 min. - TV episode
- Aired as an episode of The NBC Wednesday Mystery Movie.
- Black Gunn (role: bartender)
- Dec. 20, 1972 - Champion - 96 min. - Jim Brown & Martin Landau feature
- Filmed in Eastmancolor.
1973
- The World's Greatest Athlete (role: party guest)
- Feb. 14, 1973 - Disney/Buena Vista - 93 min. - feature
- Filmed in Technicolor. Featuring Tim Conway, Jan-Michael Vincent, John Amos & Roscoe Lee Browne.
- Coffy (role: man at rally)
- May 11, 1973 - Papazian-Hirsch/AIP - 90 min. - feature
- Featuring Pam Grier, Booker Bradshaw, Robert Doqui & William Elliott.
- 40 Carats (role: party dancer)
- Jun. 28, 1973 - Franckovich/Columbia - 110 min. - feature
- Featuring Liv Ullman, Edward Albert, Gene Kelly & Binnie Barnes.
- Cleopatra Jones (role: Henry)
- Jul. 13, 1973 - Franckovich/Columbia - 10 reels - Tamara Dobson feature
- Filmed in Technicolor. Also featuring Shelley Winters.
- The Waltons episode: The Journey (role: piano player)
- Sep. 13, 1973 - Lorimar/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
1974
- Mame (undetermined role)
- prem. Mar. 7, 1974 - ABC/Warner Bros. - 132 min. - Lucille Ball feature
- Released Mar. 27, 1974. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- Kolchak: The Night Stalker episode: The Energy Eater (role: reporter)
- Dec. 13, 1974 - Francy/Universal/ABC - 60 min. - TV episode
1975
- During this year, Gene appeared in Friday Comedy Special on CBS, which was a short-lived series during the spring.
- During the 1975-76 TV season, Gene appeared several times in the series The Cop And The Kid and The Blue Knight.
- Ladies Of The Corrider (role: cab driver)
- Apr. 9, 1975 - KCET/PBS - 120 min. - TV movie
- The Day Of The Locust (role: doorman)
- May 7, 1975 - Long Road/Paramount - 144 min. - feature
- Filmed in Technicolor. Featuring Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, William Atherton & Burgess Meredith.
- Ellery Queen episode: The Adventure Of The 12th Floor Express (role: bootblack)
- Oct. 9, 1975 - Fairmont-Foxcroft/Universal/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Police Story episode: The Cut Man Caper (undetermined role)
- Oct. 28, 1975 - Gerber/Columbia/NBC - 120 min. - TV episode
- Gene remembered doing multiple episodes of this series.
- Columbo episode: Identity Crisis (role: conference guest)
- Nov. 2, 1975 - Universal/NBC - 95 min. - TV episode
- Aired as an episode of The NBC Sunday Mystery Movie.
- Starsky And Hutch episode: The Bait (role: shoeshine man)
- Nov. 5, 1975 - Spelling-Goldberg/ABC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Kojak episode: Money Back Guaranteed (role: photographer)
- Dec. 7, 1975 - Universal/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
1976
- During the 1976-77 TV season, Gene did bit parts several times in the series Serpico.
- Sanford And Son episode: Greatest Show In Watts (role: circus patron)
- Jan. 16, 1976 - Tandem/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
- Kojak episode: Bad Dude (role: bar patron)
- Jan. 25, 1976 - Universal/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
- All The President's Men (role: reporter)
- prem. Apr. 4, 1976 - Wildwood/Warner Bros. - 138 min. - Robert Redford & Dustin Hoffman feature
- Released Apr. 9, 1976. Filmed in Technicolor.
- Sparkle (role: hotel bellboy)
- Apr. 7, 1976 - RSO/Warner Bros. - 98 min. - feature
- Featuring Philip M. Thomas, Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith, Mary Alice, Dorian Harewood & Tony King.
- Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch (archival)
- May 1976 - Curtco/RCR - 86 min. - feature
- The makers of this film cobbled together clips from numerous old westerns and stitched together a story in which the various cowboy heroes work together to catch the bad guys.
Eugene is shown playing violin during Gene Autry's performance of "That Silver-Haired Daddy Of Mine."
- Treasure Of Matecumbe (role: man dancing in the street)
- Jul. 1, 1976 - Disney/Buena Vista - 117 min. - feature
- Featuring Robert Foxworth, Joan Hackett, Peter Ustinov & Vic Morrow.
- Kojak episode: Out Of The Shadows (role: witness)
- Oct. 17, 1976 - Universal/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
- Sanford And Son episode: Fred's Extra Job (role: restaurant patron)
- Nov. 19, 1976 - Tandem/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
- Rocky (undetermined role)
- prem. Nov. 20, 1976 - Chartoff-Winkler/UA - 120 min. - Sylvester Stallone feature
- Released Dec. 3, 1976. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
1977
- In January of this year, Gene appeared as a stand-in for Levar Burton in the TV mini-series Roots.
- In the fall of this year, he appeared as a dancer on the TV series The Richard Pryor Show.
- The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries episode: Nancy Drew's Love Match (role: observer at arrest)
- Nov. 20, 1977 - Larson/Universal/ABC - 60 min. - TV episode
- The Rockford Files episode: Hotel Of Fear (role: pedestrian)
- Dec. 2, 1977 - Huggins-Public Arts/Cherokee/Universal/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
1978
- On February 17th of this year, Gene signed a contract to work in a stage production called The Last Minstrel Show, which began touring a couple of months later.
- Other plays Gene appeared in during the latter part of his career were A Slice Of Life and The Way That Seemeth Right.
- Kojak episode: The Captain's Brother's Wife (role: pedestrian)
- Feb. 4, 1978 - Universal/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
- The Rockford Files episode: The Competitive Edge (role: pedestrian)
- Feb. 10, 1978 - Huggins-Public Arts/Cherokee/Universal/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries episode: Voodoo Doll, Part I (role: waiter)
- Feb. 12, 1978 - Larson/Universal/ABC - 60 min. - TV episode
- The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries episode: Voodoo Doll, Part II (role: minister)
- Feb. 19, 1978 - Larson/Universal/ABC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Five Days From Home (role: inmate)
- Jul. 28, 1978 - Long Rifle-Winchester/Universal - 108 min. - George Peppard feature
- Charlie's Angels episode: Winning Is For Losers (role: golf match spectator)
- Oct. 18, 1978 - Spelling-Goldberg/ABC - 60 min. - TV episode
1979
- In February of this year, Gene worked as a stand-in in the TV mini-series Roots: The Next Generations.
- Joni (undetermined role)
- June 1, 1979 - WWP - 75 min. - feature
- Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- Escape From Alcatraz (role: inmate)
- Jun. 22, 1979 - Malpaso/Siegel/Paramount - 112 min. - Clint Eastwood feature
- Credited as Eugene W. Jackson.
- Dallas episode: Heiress (role: pianist)
- Nov. 23, 1979 - Lorimar/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
1980
- During this year, Gene's 56-year association with Central Casting ended.
- Gene attended the Sons of the Desert Second International Convention, held at the Los Angeles Hilton from July 30th to August 3rd, which included the largest-ever Our Gang
reunion.
- American Gigolo (role: bootblack)
- Feb. 1, 1980 - Fields/Paramount - 117 min. - Richard Gere feature
- The Incredible Hulk episode: The Psychic (role: pedestrian)
- Feb. 22, 1980 - Universal/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
- Quincy M.E. episode: T.K.O. (role: boxing spectator)
- Mar. 13, 1980 - Larson/Universal/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Popeye (undetermined role)
- prem. Dec. 6, 1980 - Paramount - 114 min. - feature
- Released Dec. 12, 1980. Featuring Robin Williams & Shelley Duvall. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
1981
- During this year, Gene worked in the TV series The Gangster Chronicles. He also worked a shoeshine stand in the TV series Simon And Simon.
- The Greatest American Hero episode: The Best Desk Scenario (role: restaurant patron)
- May 13, 1981 - Cannell/ABC - 60 min. - TV episode
- Best Of The West episode: Laney In Love (role: townsman)
- Nov. 12, 1981 - Paramount/ABC - 30 min. - TV episode
- Best Of The West episode: The Railroad (role: townsman)
- Nov. 19, 1981 - Paramount/ABC - 30 min. - TV episode
1982
- Taxi episode: The Unkindest Cut (role: cabbie)
- Feb. 25, 1982 - John-Charles-Walters/Paramount/ABC - 30 min. - TV episode
- Romance Theatre episode: Bayou Romance: Part 1 (role: Jethro)
- Dec. 27, 1982 - Courtship - 30 min. - TV episode
- Romance Theatre episode: Bayou Romance: Part 2 (role: Jethro)
- Dec. 28, 1982 - Courtship - 30 min. - TV episode
- Romance Theatre episode: Bayou Romance: Part 3 (role: Jethro)
- Dec. 29, 1982 - Courtship - 30 min. - TV episode
- Romance Theatre episode: Bayou Romance: Part 4 (role: Jethro)
- Dec. 30, 1982 - Courtship - 30 min. - TV episode
- Romance Theatre episode: Bayou Romance: Part 5 (role: Jethro)
- Dec. 31, 1982 - Courtship - 30 min. - TV episode
1983
- Gene appeared in the TV series Webster, apparently between 1983 and 1987, though the series aired between 1983 and 1989.
- Off The Wall (role: old man)
- July 1983 - Hotdogs/Jensen Farley - 85 min. - feature
- Featuring Paul Sorvino, Patrick Cassidy, Rosanna Arquette & Billy Hufsey.
- The Day After (role: hospital patient)
- Nov. 20, 1983 - ABC Circle/ABC - 127 min. - TV movie
1984
- Night Court episode: Wonder Drugs (role: shoeshine man)
- Mar. 7, 1984 - Starry Night/Warner Bros./NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
- Gene remembered playing this role "throughout this series."
- Splash ( undetermined role)
- Mar. 9, 1984 - Touchstone/Buena Vista - 111 min. - feature
- Featuring Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy & John Candy. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- Swing Shift (role: bartender)
- Apr. 13, 1984 - Lantana/Hawn/Sylbert/Bick/Warner Bros. - 100 min. - Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell feature
- Credited as Eugene W. Jackson.
- Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (appearance)
- May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City - 93 min. - TV documentary
- Gene was interviewed for this documentary.
1985
- What's Happening Now!! episode: Raj On The Run (role: conventioneer)
- Nov. 23, 1985 - LBS - 30 min. - TV episode
- Gene's filmography mentions this show for the year 1979. It seems likely that he's referring to this episode, as the series, previously known as What's
Happening!!, didn't have this later title until 1985.
1986
- In the early months of this year, Gene appeared in the TV series The Redd Foxx Show.
- Also during this year, Gene worked in TV commercials for Bank of America and the General Telephone Company.
- Gene also did some extra work on the daytime soap opera Days Of Our Lives. He remembered Marilyn McCoo being in an episode in 1986, so he was presumably involved during
this period. His filmography, however, mentions the entire run of the show from 1965 to 1987.
- On December 17th, the News-Pilot of San Pedro, CA, reported on a recent event at the Cinegrill in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, celebrating the tenth edition of Richard
Lamparski's book series, Whatever Became Of... Gene was among the many celebrities present, as were Ernie "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison and Gordon "Porky" Lee.
- 227 episode: The Temptations (role: saxophone player)
- Nov. 15, 1986 - Embassy/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode
- Gene remembered being in multiple episodes of this show.
1987
- Gene appeared in a Burger King commercial during this year.
- Also during this year, Gene attended another Our Gang reunion organized by Sons of the Desert.
1988
- Frank's Place episode: Where's Ed? (role: Ed Chambers)
- Jan. 18, 1988 - Viacom/CBS - 30 min. - TV episode
- Highway To Heaven episode: Back To Oakland (role: Joe)
- Feb. 3, 1988 - Landon/NBC - 60 min. - TV episode
1989
- In July of this year, Gene performed an instrumental solo at Ernie Morrison's funeral.
1990
- Gene worked in a Lotto commercial during this year.
1991
- Gene attended the 1991 Black Film Festival in Oakland, receiving an NAACP African American Heritage award.
- Life Stinks (role: office janitor)
- prem. May 15, 1991 - Brooksfilms/MGM-Pathé/MGM - 92 min. - Mel Brooks feature
- Released July 26, 1991. Listed in the filmography in Gene's book, but not in IMDb.
- The Addams Family (role: one-armed bass player)
- Nov. 22, 1981 - Orion/Rudin/Paramount - 99 min. - feature
- Featuring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia & Christopher Lloyd.
1992
- On January 30th of this year, Gene did a TV commercial for Taco Bell.
- Also during this year, Gene appeared on the revised TV series You Bet Your Life.
- As mentioned by Zaiid Leflore, one of Gene's students, and writing a black history assignment on November 25th of this year, Gene's most recent TV commercial at the
time was for GTE.
- As of the writing of the second edition of Maltin & Bann's Little Rascals book, Gene was running a stage workshop in Compton, CA.
- On November 5th, Gene attended Hal Roach's funeral in Westwood, CA. Also present were Spanky McFarland, Dorothy DeBorba, Tommy Bond and Darwood Kaye.
1993
- Picket Fences episode: The Lullaby League (undetermined role)
- May 6, 1993 - Kelley/20th Century-Fox/CBS - 60 min. - TV episode
1994
- Gene attended the Sons of the Desert 9th International Convention at the Westchester Marriott in Terrytown, NY, from July 13th to 17th of this year. On July 15th, he was one
of several Our Gang kids taking questions as part of a celebrity panel. On July 16th, he played "Pineapple" in a stage show called Our Gang Follies.
- Gene was also scheduled to attend the Way Out West Tent (of Sons of the Desert) 27th Annual Banquet at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Oct. 22nd,
though I haven't come across any verification that he was there.
- The Our Gang Story (use of photos)
- 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary
1995
- On October 28th of this year, Gene attended the Way Out West Tent 28th Annual Banquet at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, along with several other Our Gang kids.
- On November 21st, Gene went to the Disney studio to be interviewed about his involvement in "Dumbo."
- Gene and Sue's 50th wedding anniversary was on December 14th.
1996
- On October 27th of this year, Gene attended the Way Out West Barbecue at the Mayflower Club, along with several other Our Gang kids. He also entertained during one of the film
intermissions.
- Spencer Williams: Remembrances Of An Early Black Film Pioneer (appearance)
- Jan. 5, 1996 - 56 min. - video documentary
1997
- On June 28th of this year, Gene attended the Way Out West 30th Anniversary Banquet at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, along with several other Our Gang kids.
1998
- On October 9th of this year, Gene attended the Way Out West Celebrity Banquet at The Castaway restaurant.
1999
- On February 1st of this year, Gene's autobiography, Eugene "Pineapple"Jackson: His Own Story was published. It was co-written with
Gwendolyn Sides St. Julian, and had been in the works for 17 years.
- On April 18th, Gene attended the Way Out West Salute to Eugene Jackson.
- On October 16th, Gene attended the Way Out West Tent Annual Banquet at the Culver Hotel.
2000
- On November 20th of this year, Gene suffered a slight stroke.
2001
- On October 6th of this year, just 20 days before his passing, Gene attended the Way Out West Tent 30th Annual Banquet at the Pickwick Banquet Center in Burbank, along with
several other Our Gang kids.
2002
- On June 23rd of this year, the Wilshire Ebell Theater presented It's Show Time, a tribute to Gene.
2019
- During this year, "Jingle Bell Hop" by The Jackson Trio, with Eugene Jackson on alto and tenor, appeared on a various artists CD in the UK called "Merry Luxmas
- It's Christmas In Crampsville! (Season's Gratings From The Cramps' Vinyl Basement)."
Eugene Jackson's payroll history
The following is a list of Gene's history at the Roach studio, with the amounts he was making from week to week. The dates given are Saturdays, the last day of each week at
the studio. The only exceptions would be Saturdays that were also holidays, in which case the Friday date is used for those weeks.
Special note: Production A38 (Ask Grandma) is missing from this list. It appears that it started off as the previous production, which then got divided into
two films. Gene isn't in this particular film, but he's in the previous one, so some of the shooting dates for "The Love Bug" shown below are actually for
"Ask Grandma."
We first encounter Gene during the week ending July 5, 1924.
- July 5, 1924 - 60.00 charged to prod. A33 (The Mysterious Mystery!)
Initially, Gene was given a short-term contract, and was listed in the payroll ledger as Gene Jackson.
- July 12, 1924 - 60.00 charged to prod. A33
- July 19, 1924 - 60.00 charged to prod. A33
After this, it would be over a month and a half before Gene returned to the studio. During a portion of the interim, the studio was closed for three weeks.
- Sep. 13, 1924 - 50.00 - 41.67 charged to prod. A33, 8.33 charged to prod. A34 (The Big Town)
At this point, Gene was given a long-term contract, and was listed in the payroll ledger as Eugene Jackson.
- Sep. 20, 1924 - 50.00 - 8.33 charged to prod. A33, 41.67 charged to prod. A34
- Sep. 27, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A34
- Oct. 4, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A34
- Oct. 11, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A34
- Oct. 18, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A34
- Oct. 25, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A35 (Circus Fever)
- Nov. 1, 1924 - 50.00 - 20.83 charged to prod. A35, 29.17 charged to prod. A36 (Dog Days)
- Nov. 8, 1924 - 50.00 - 41.67 charged to prod. A35, 8.33 charged to prod. A36
- Nov. 15, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A35
- Nov. 22, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A36
- Nov. 29, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A36
- Dec. 6, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A36
- Dec. 13, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A36
- Dec. 20, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A37 (The Love Bug)
- Dec. 27, 1924 - 50.00 charged to prod. A37
- Jan. 3, 1925 - 50.00 charged to prod. A37
- Jan. 10, 1925 - 50.00 charged to prod. A37
- Jan. 17, 1925 - 50.00 charged to prod. A37
- Jan. 24, 1925 - 50.00 charged to prod. A39 (Shootin' Injuns)
- Jan. 31, 1925 - 50.00 charged to prod. A39
- Feb. 7, 1925 - 33.33 charged to prod. A39
Judging by the amount, Gene's final day with the Our Gang unit was Feb. 5th.
See anything that needs changing? Contact me at BtheW@aol.com.