Even if I had never seen a silent Our Gang film at that point, I could never forget the infectious smile and genuine friendliness that radiated from Ernest “Sunshine Sammy” Morrison when I first encountered him at the Our Gang reunion autograph session at Hollywood ’80. One of the kindest and most sincere men who I have ever met, Sunshine Sammy holds the distinction of being the first black actor ever signed to a long-term movie contract. His producer Hal Roach signed him to his own comedy series in 1919, which led to his eventual starring in the Our Gang series.
Sunshine starred in 28 of the original silent comedies, including the very first in the series entitled simply Our Gang. After retiring from the series, he spent some time in Vaudeville before returning to Hollywood in the 1940’s to star a Scruno in the East Side Kids, a runoff of the Dead End Kids.
Sunshine Sammy’s signature in my little blue autograph book from 1980
Sunshine Sammy would attend various functions of the Way Out West tent over the years, and was brought along as their special guest to attend the Twin Cities convention in 1988. I happened to be spending the week before the convention with Bob and we picked up Sunshine to bring him to the airport where he boarded our plane and flew with us to the Minneapolis. It was such a pleasure to spend time with him that day and the week that followed.
A photo that Bob got signed for me in 1987, one year before Sunshine and I would meet up again
He passed away in 1989, one year after attending the convention with us. I am so thrilled that I was able to meet not only this living legend of the silver screen, but one of the nicest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure to encounter.
The Our Gang stars of 1980 will continue…
What a great story about Ernie Morrison! He had the distinction of being a member of two very different ‘Gangs’. You have been very blessed to meet and visit with all of these great Roach Stars. I look forward to reading your next “Our Gang” memory.
Dave Chasteen
September 23rd, 2007
This is a great picture of Ernie Morrison at Hollywood 80! Any chance I can get a copy?
J. Sonneborn
November 15th, 2014