Reginald Fenderson

Reginald Hartley Fenderson (December 28, 1911 – August 16, 1986) was an American actor born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who worked in theatrical productions and films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. His father, Alfonso Fenderson, originated the role of Moses in the stage production of The Green Pastures, establishing a family connection to one of the era's most prominent theatrical works.

Fenderson's Broadway career spanned from 1930 to 1935 and included appearances in Sailor, Beware! and The Green Pastures. In the stage version of The Green Pastures and its road tour, he performed the roles of Joshua and the magician over a period of at least five years. His film work extended the Green Pastures connection further when he appeared in the 1936 film adaptation, again portraying Joshua.

Beyond that production, Fenderson built a filmography centered on African American cast productions. His screen credits include Bargain with Bullets (1937), Life Goes On (1938) in which he played Henry Weston, also known as Monte Howard, Gang Smashers (1938), Reform School (1939), While Thousands Cheer (1940), Gang War (1940), and Lucky Ghost (1942). His performance as inmate Freddie Gordon in Reform School drew notice from The Washington Afro-American, which credited him with handling the role with restraint and avoiding melodrama in a part that lent itself to over-portrayal.

Fenderson married Ella J. in 1933; the couple filed for divorce in 1938. He served as a Private in the United States Army, and around 1943 transferred to the Special Service Division before receiving his discharge. During his military service at Fort Huachuca, he performed in one-act plays as a member of the Huachuca Players, the Fort Huachuca Little Theatre Group. Fenderson died on August 16, 1986, in San Dimas, California, at the age of 74.