Supporting Actor Spotlights - Scatman Crothers

Benjamin Sherman Crothers, better known as Scatman Crothers, perhaps best known for his roles in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," was a character actor for over 40 years as well as a professional drummer, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and comedian.
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[@onyx8231]

Scatman Crothers has to be the most delightful person who has ever existed. You just KNOW he's in heaven. I wish there were more people like him.

[@80steen44]

I liked him too but you don't get to Heaven by being delightful or a nice person. It's not a question of good or bad but saved or lost. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. For the wages of sin is death but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord

[@glamdolly30]

@@80steen44 YAWN! Someone made a nice comment about a beloved, deceased actor. That is all - we don't need your pompous religious rant thank you!

[@80steen44]

@@glamdolly30 yeah well it's a free forum so keep yawning it won't change the truth

[@Hartwig870]

@@80steen44 The truth being that you're a classless piece of shit, who worships an imaginary tyrant who punishes his creations.

[@opsimathics]

he's the voice of Jazz forever and ever

[@04killer07]

Yes I mostly know him from transformers

[@Zygomatic_Bolt]

@@04killer07 Same

[@123451248ify]

Hong Kong Phooey number one super guy. Meadowlark from the Globetrotters cartoon!

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

and ever...... and ever

[@Ozma2086]

Even without the voice synth... You can hear JAZZ!

[@nickrogers4989]

Long live Scatman Crothers..your all heart love soul!..as à kid I seen him tv shows or in movies ! Most notable cartoons like Hong Phoey and jazz in transformers when I had to memorize or think I heard that voice befpre!..Before social media ! He was very talented , skill minded, wonderful lovable, à natural, legendary humble human being in his own right! Thank you soo much Mr Scatman Crothers for being part of our lives as well !.

[@misschris325]

When I first saw Scatman describing his experience on the Shining, I felt like crying- the sincerity created a long lasting impression and appreciation of this awesome actor! Also, Buddy Hackett was funny as shit😂

[@lisasuwannee]

I love Scatman Crothers, have never really known why he was so dear to my heart. Apparently he was in every TV show I ever watched as a child.

[@esperanzarobertson4823]

I teared up at the Scatman interview behind the scenes of the Shining. Him crying made me tear up and hit me in the heart. So beautiful.

[@glamdolly30]

Me too, so sweet how he loved that little boy. God bless him, a very special man.

[@rjc7289]

I was a kid of the 70's and 80's, so my introduction to Scatman was when he voiced the character of Jazz on The Transformers. Then I found out about his amazing career in entertainment from there. He truly was the genuine article and a consummate professional. I'm glad I found this documentary on his life here on KZbin.

[@JohnSmith-we5lf]

Hong dong pooie

[@jonstefanik9400]

Same. Our generation most remembers him as Jazz.

[@ssharkbait]

I’ve been rewatching these and this one always makes me sob. His sincerity in that Shining interview just gets me in the heart every time.

[@ksiaa814]

This guy was the voice for one of the early Transformers cartoons I believe it was jazz

[@waynesWyrdWorld]

This series is consistently incredible and emotionally engaging. Seriously best thing on KZbin

[@mistyapril29]

This documentary always makes me cry. He was amazing

[@Davethe3rd]

Being a kid of the eighties, I loved him as Jazz, who, to me, was "the Black Transformer", and Hong Kong Phooey. Rest in Power, Scatman. You walked so that so many other black actors after you could run... (And why haven't we gotten that Hong Kong Phooey reboot yet, Warner Bros?)

[@tonymarshall3978]

you really could run this for years just going off of the cast of cuckoo nest

[@MagusMarquillin]

Yeah, though Chris Lloyd, Danny Devito and Jack Nicholson are likely disqualified due to their success. I'm greatly looking forward to Brad Dourif's episode though, along with anyone else in that great film.

[@ssharkbait]

Magus Marquillin I really want a Brad Dourif episode. He’s one of my favorite actors of all time.

[@owenwatts1377]

Re-watching these reminds me all over again why I love this channel. Open-hearted and absorbing, hope we see more of these :) As a Brit can I toss my hat in the ring for our own living legends Brian Blessed (Prince Vultan, Flash Gordon) and Miriam Margolyes (Professor Sprout, Harry Potter). I guarantee you'll have a whale of a time gathering stuff on them :D

[@TheUpsidedownCheese]

scatman always looked the same young and old! only actor i know that always brought a smile to my face in every part he played. a true star!

[@IjeomaThePlantMama]

Thanks so so much for reuploading Brandon! This channel is such a gem!

[@dudebrian]

I vividly remember watching this episode when it was up before. What an amazing man.

[@CaptainRetroStation]

"Silver Streak" was my introduction to Scatman. I've seen him in plenty of films since, and some more classic than "Silver Streak"... but he will always be the cool train porter to me.

[@crystalace1183]

I watched The Shining, when I saw him, I immediately fell in love with his character and him as an actor. I loved him and Jack both. Theyre both my favorite actors and when I found out he died, I started crying.

[@TheJPSouza]

They also worked together in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'! 🤩

[@glamdolly30]

@@TheJPSouza Scatman Crothers and Jack Nicholson appeared together in four films - 'The King of Marvin Gardens' (1972), 'The Fortune' (1975), 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975) and 'The Shining' (1980). Jack Nicholson and Scatman were great friends off camera and it was Jack who requested him for those movies. He would joke that whenever he ran into Scatman, he would hustle him for another movie role!

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Me before watching this mini documentary: "Man, what a fine gentleman :)" Me after watching this mini documentary; "MAN!!! What a damn fine gentleman :')"

[@Zawmbbeh]

I heard about Scatman Crothers first from a 78 rpm record from 1956. His song, "Transfusion", caught my ear as a particularly high quality song, despite the rough quality of the other song. It had this certain modern energy to it, this rich timbral quality, this bouncy guitar, this energetic voice, the whole deal. It was this video I realized that voice was the wonderful man I saw in The Shining. I knew there was something familiar about the "Yeah" in the outro... Cheers to you, Scatman Crothers!

[@brychology]

Love this! Scatman was my favorite Hollywood actor/ musician/ comedian! One of a kind and there will never be another like him!

[@moshomaniac1]

Mr. Hardesty, I just wanted to let you know I love this series and I think it’s a wonderful thing that you are giving these character actors the recognition they deserve. Keep up the good work!

[@johnmelendez4655]

As a child I truly loved this man.

[@BARRY1155]

Thanks for taking the time to make this documentary! It was awesome! I learned so much more about Scatman Crothers. Keep up the great work and many blessings to you!

[@SKiNT3ASTWOOD]

Hard to believe that Scatman left us 35 years ago, wonderful human , great actor and a superb voice over actor. R.I.P Mr Turkle..

[@donreid6399]

I loved the Scatman in every damned thing I ever saw him in. Truly a wonderful actor!

[@Jripey13]

awesome video!! just keep in mind, as we get older, we start to appreciate the hard work well deserved during our lifetime.. Scatman was definitely genuine and such a nice man..

[@h.w.r8635]

He was also in The Shootist with John Wayne.

[@kaibo7797]

You make learning fun! One of the habits I picked up as a kid was looking up actors and seeing what else they’ve been in, their life story etc. it’s very interesting to me!

[@shaveeitbahaddur3172]

Scatman Crothers you will always be remembered ❤️

[@TheBaritoneCrooner]

Wasn't he the porter in 1976's Silver Streak with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder?

[@cooper482011]

Mark Demmin II Yep

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Fun fact red fox worked with Scatman back in the thirties and forties playing the clubs as a young comedian after his stint with Malcolm X who was Malcolm little at the time for Detroit Red and red fox was Chicago Red

[@majorhemroid]

A most distinct and original man. Cultured, classy and right on the money. Shame he passed so soon.

[@Gigas0101]

I got my introduction as Jazz in Transformers. Tell me about the south side a' Cybertron, Mr. Crothers! Thanks for letting me know about how far back his career goes, and I'm gunna love going as far back as I can to see all of it!

[@TechnicJunglist]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! this, the Michael Jeter & HDS ones were my favorite. So much so that when I watch The Green Mile I'm instantly reminded of your commentary. Bravo sir. Glad they're back

[@bradenhogan2]

Hong Kong Phooey was one of my fav cartoons, now The Shining is one of if not my fav horror movies

[@baysidedlove3427]

You are correct,!! He was a very nice man he bought my oldest brother mcdonalds breakfast in south central LA. I'm 51 and I grew up on his voice!!! What a talent he was!! Icon gone but not forgotten 👍🏾🙏🏽

[@ABoyandHisDog-pd3lb]

The part in The Twilight Zone movie is probably one of my absolute favorite roles that he ever did. It is such a sweet and endearing role and I think it shows a lot of his true self in it.

[@ericdudley4169]

Thank you very much for this! It is greatly appreciated! As is he!

[@nunovyb1465]

Thanks for making and sharing this video. I've always loved Scatman too.

[@bsherder]

Loved Hong Kong Phooey.growing up. I watched the reruns on USA channel's Cartoon Express. His voice became instantly recognizable any time i heard it anywhere else.

[@nrgentertainment]

My introduction to him was as a kid. Hong Kong Phooey (the theme of which he sings) and that dog is my spirit animal. Watching this, he really seemed like an amazing guy in real life and extremely talented musician and comedian. I'm looking forward to meeting him in heaven one day.

[@AlexReynard]

Thing that strikes me most about him is, his enthusiasiam, his _life,_ just radiated out of him like sunbeams.

[@ABoyandHisDog-pd3lb]

Ive Always loved this guy, he was a fantastic actor!

[@glamdolly30]

BRAVO! A wonderful documentary on a very special man and a true STAR. I had no idea Scatman was the voice of my childhood favourite 'Hong Kong Phooey'. It's so obvious now - that wonderful expressive voice of his is unmistakable! When he cried as he discussed working with child actor Danny Lloyd in 'The Shining', I had tears in my eyes too! What a lovely man. His performance in that movie played a significant part in raising it to cult status. It may have been a supporting role, but it is a pivotal character, whose actions are of crucial importance to the plot. The audience has to believe Dick Hallorann has psychic ability - and Scatman Crothers was totally compelling. He was also exactly right to play a hero, which Halloran undoubtedly was - his actions save the lives of Wendy and Danny. I'm so glad Scatman Crothers got to know Jack Nicholson after he had achieved superstar status. It was a rewarding relationship for them both, personally and professionally. Thanks to their real friendship off camera, Jack got him roles in four of his movies - 'The King of Marvin Gardens' (1972), 'The Fortune' (1975), 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975), and 'The Shining' (1980) - which undoubtedly elevated his status and bankability as a movie actor. Nicholson would laugh about Scatman hustling him for work, every time they ran into each other! But clearly he didn't mind and was as good as his word, getting him into two of his most prestigious films, the legendary, multi Oscar winning 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' and 'The Shining'. Scatman was superb every time he co-starred with Nicholson and totally held his own, as the Oscar winner knew he would! God bless you Scatman, and thank you for leaving us your wonderful legacy of work. XXX

[@iank2196]

Your opening narrative on this is exactly how i found him and think of him. Fondly and happily, the Scatman.

[@ericdudley4169]

Thank you very much for this! It is greatly appreciated! As is Scatman!

[@substance1]

Scatman Crothers was such a cool guy and an amazing musician and singer.

[@518-grind6]

Such a thoughtful review of his life, so interesting. Thanks so much.

[@sadpanda1775]

I'm a huge Transformers fan but never cared too much for Jazz. Now my appreciation for the character just shot up about 10,000x. Thanks for this video!! What a man!!!!

[@tonymarshall3978]

I love these Brandon I'm glad they are not gone and we will get new ones. thank you

[@DaveFisher1]

i once saw Scatman on some tv show performing Ghostriders in the Sky on his ukulele. i would love to find a copy of that.

[@ChrysteePharris]

Wow. This was well done. I came across Scatman on Sanford and Son day and wanted to do some more research and well- I got it all in this one video. Thank you. It left me with a smile. I just subscribed. I am looking forward to watch more of my favorite supporting actors.

[@allys744]

I love scatman, was delightful He was great in the aristocats He was real life friends with Nicholson, who got him supporting parts in four movies they did together including the shining

[@snidecommentman]

YES! Thanks again for the reupload!

[@candicedavis3175]

RIP scatman crothers we will miss you

[@fathom6424]

Thanks for this. Really moving, really good.

[@anneofgreengables1367]

Aahhh I love this episode!! Also, where in the world can I find that version of Ain’t She Sweet? I need to find it!!! 😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@treywest268]

His performance in "The Shootist" with an all star cast was left out on this. It was another memorable performance!

[@MrBiscuit75]

I was pretty young the 1st time i watched the shining. For me scatman dying in the shining was the most traumatizing part of the whole movie. Never knew he was the voice of Hong Kong phooey either or in aristocats. Seemed like a great dude.

[@LeandroKaique]

Essa é uma das pessoas que deviam viver pra sempre!

[@bardafokk]

thanks for this, guys.... very moving video

[@masonliagre5756]

Amazing video, touching and informative

[@finnoniciuc]

He was more talented than all the leads he supported combined!!

[@sliat1981]

Gosh I loved his voice

[@wsjustice]

I was 12 when Scatman died and he definitely made an impression on me.

[@ValladaoMateus]

What a video, man. Amazing ending. Touching.

[@alexsmokemusic]

These docs are excellent.

[@amiefortman7220]

Can confirm, as somebody who attended college in Terre Haute, as well as my sister and both parents--they *still* call it "Terrible Hut"/"Terrible Hole" all the time. I like to imagine that, if I'd been born a century earlier, I could have gone a few blocks down the street and watched one of my favorite actors perform before he was ever famous. XD

[@leegreer5895]

Great video!

[@petlahk4119]

Does IMDB realize that there is nothing they can do with No Small Parts to make it profitable without you?

[@ssharkbait]

petlahk no near the love and care put in those videos as with these. They also feature a lot of A Listers instead of actual character actors.

[@DavidFrancis24824]

Thank you for making these videos. Everyone has their own type of charm and it should all be remembered in it's own way. Your a bad ass! Ha ha ha.

[@ninamc6116]

Loved him! In anything

[@mohollywood]

so so so good......

[@FaceManBuddha]

Thank you and Namaste.

[@Daxtarr1]

Interior: Overlook Hotel...I lost it. To note, Jack Nicholson is such an amazing guy.

[@rbl4641]

He was a great guy, a great actor

[@martinofenzi858]

here’s THE man.

[@rambo4war]

I always feel like an episode of Scooby Doo is on with that iconic voice.

[@guitarman64100]

what an amazing man

[@SaturnCanuck]

That was a great one

[@moniquedavis7604]

The perspective from which stories are told is important. Some of the stories told by the narrator don't feel very authentic. But the information is appreciated.

[@mariaconway405]

Such a cool dude

[@666kinski]

He was Great..RIP.

[@caladriousbyrd7198]

the salient point coming from what i imagine is the minority being one who had read the book prior to film view was that the kubrick crothers character was reduced to not much beyond an errand boy, a grocery clerk tasked with the delivery of the exit manner

[@thomasrobinson9148]

it feels like every character actor ever was in one flew over the cuckoos nest

[@ryandawson8513]

Scatman Crothers Like a Hong Kong Phooey

[@garyteague9555]

these are wonderful

[@hooliogoolio4446]

This is great thank you

[@robinanwaldt]

Well, in the international cut of The Shining Hallorann’s introduction was just left out. Instead his first scene was him showing the kitchen and storage rooms to Wendy and Danny, so we technically get to know his ability to "shine" faster.

[@matthewpacillas9620]

Other than the shining and one flew over the cooku’s nest ive seen him in Journey of natty Gann and Twilight Zone movie

[@brucemiller5343]

Need to hear my man jazz voice

[@MagusMarquillin]

I don't know if you can change thumbnails without re-uploading, but it might be more appropriate to have Mr. Crothers rather then a white dude getting a haircut. Otherwise, I'm very glad these are returning!

[@TheBackFocus]

Hahahaha whoops. That would be Jerry Lewis. Meant to upload the thumbnail. Just fixed it. Thanks!

[@MagusMarquillin]

@@TheBackFocus Haha, so it is. Maybe one day you'll need to do a new series: "Leading Actor Spotlights of the Golden/Silver age" - help keep us young idiots in the know. :)

[@BigBennKlingon]

lol Scott Bakula is a perfect example of another actor that I assume is nice.

[@rahlohmcdonogh4855]

Super Vixen by Russ Meyers!

[@EdwardHowton]

One thing that's obvious in all the clips shown here is the man's sheer talent. Even in the early roles where he had to play-act at being a "dumb negro", you can tell how good he was at acting. I'd be shocked to learn that even people at the time saw him performing and thought "This guy's as stupid as he acts". How's that old saying go again? Anyone can be a bad actor, but it takes a really great actor to act poorly?

[@Urdarbrunn]

So, are all of these going to be re-uploaded? I went looking for one of them several months ago, alas.

[@davidshi451]

Yes! You can also find them on the Internet Archive: archive.org/search.php?query=creator%3A%22No+Small+Parts+Productions%22

[@Urdarbrunn]

@@davidshi451 Thanks, I really appreciate it.

[@shashummga3477]

I’m pretty sure his last role was Jazz from The Transformers The movie.

[@barontaylor7139]

Scatman was in a radio episode of Jack Benny