About
Fred "Snowflake" Toones was a character actor who appeared in over 200 films between 1928 and 1951. He often worked under contract for Republic Pictures, appearing in about 40 of its films. He played a bootblack or shoeshine man in at least six of his movies, and Toones actually ran the shoeshine stand at Republic Studios. He first appeared as a porter in 1932 in The Hurricane Express and was usually typecast as a porter - appearing in over 50 films in such a role. He also played a variety of other service-oriented or domestic worker roles such as stable grooms, janitors, elevator operators, valets, cooks, bellhops, doormen, butlers, and bartenders. Like other actors of the time, i.e. Anna May Wong and Franklin Pangborn, Toones is a prime example of racial and social stereotyping in the Hollywood film industry. His standard characterization was that of a middle-aged "colored" man...
Known for
Racket SquadSeries • 1951
Mr. Smith Goes to WashingtonMovie • 1939
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain GangMovie • 1932
A Star Is BornMovie • 1937
The Lost WeekendMovie • 1945
Gold Diggers of 1933Movie • 1933
The Palm Beach StoryMovie • 1942
Way Out WestMovie • 1937
Dodge CityMovie • 1939
American MadnessMovie • 1932
The Mayor of HellMovie • 1933
Imitation of LifeMovie • 1934
Remember the NightMovie • 1940
Twentieth CenturyMovie • 1934
Come and Get ItMovie • 1936
Hands Across the TableMovie • 1935
Gold Diggers of 1937Movie • 1936
The Cabin in the CottonMovie • 1932
Christmas in JulyMovie • 1940
Here Comes the NavyMovie • 1934
Big Brown EyesMovie • 1936
Woman HatersMovie • 1934
DelugeMovie • 1933