Canada Lee

Canada Lee (born Leonard Lionel Cornelius Canegata; March 3, 1907 – May 9, 1952) was an American professional boxer and actor who played a significant role in expanding opportunities for African Americans in the performing arts. Before his career in acting, Lee worked as a jockey, boxer, and musician. He later joined the Federal Theatre Project, where he performed in the 1936 production of *Macbeth*, an adaptation directed by Orson Welles. An active advocate for civil rights during the 1930s and 1940s, Lee was blacklisted and died shortly before he was set to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He contributed to the African American theatrical tradition that had been pioneered by actors such as Paul Robeson.