P. Jay Sidney

P. Jay Sidney (April 8, 1915 – September 30, 1996) was an American screen actor, who was also known as Jay P. Sidney. Although obscure today, he was a prominent activist who fought for equal representation of African Americans in American entertainment. Sidney Parhm Jr. was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to a poor family. His mother died when he was young, and his father moved the family to New York City. His father died when Sidney was 15, and he was placed in foster care. An excellent student, he graduated high school while still 15 years old, then attended City College for two years. He did not complete his college course, leaving in order to pursue a career in theater.