Alex Hill

Biography

Alex (Alexander) Hill was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The youngest of three children from the marriage of John Hill and Phyllis (Hemphill) Hill. The eldest child was Alex's sister Emma, the middle child was brother Coleman. Alex's Maternal Grandmother, Isabella also lived in the home. Alex's Grandmother, Isabella was born into slavery and transported to the United States circa 1850 from Cuba. Alex was multi talented, he loved to sing and dance and often performed dramatic skits using his dancing and acting skills. Alex saw the Pre-Code 1929 Hollywood film "Hallelujah" directed by King Vidor and starring a majority African American cast. Alex was then convinced there was a place for African American artists in Hollywood. After the death of Alex's dad John, Alex moved with his Mother and Grandmother Isabella to Washington, D.C. to stay with his older brother Coleman. Like many African Americans at the time, the promise of job opportunities and better life in the north prompted African Americans to leave the rural south. Alex stayed in D.C. less than two years. Deciding, he couldn't wait any longer, at the age of 17 1/2 Alex decided to travel to Hollywood. His Mother and family were nervous about the dangers of a young African American male traveling cross country alone, tried to dissuade him. Finally, he agreed to wait until after his favorite niece, Louise's sixth birthday celebration in June 1932, then embark on the cross country journey to Hollywood. In Hollywood job opportunities were sparse. Alex, to his delight, was able to appear in one on King Vidor's films, "So Red the Rose". Alex also was able to secure employment outside of acting as valet for Fred Astaire and as extra in two of the Astaire movies of the 1930's. Alex left Hollywood about 1940 and moved to New York City.