Mantan Moreland 1902-1973 Mantan Moreland parlayed his cocky but jittery character into a recognizable presence in the late 1930s and early 1940s, appearing in a long string of comedy thrillers and more than 300 films in all. At the age of 12, Mantan Moreland joined the circus and found success in vaudeville for many years before coming to Hollywood. Mantan's focus gradually shifted towards film, where he initially appeared in servile bit-parts (shoeshine men, porters, waiters). However, his talent for making people laugh couldn't be overlooked and he soon earned featured status in Harlem-styled western parodies and grade "A" comedy films playing the superstitious, ever-terrified manservant running from any kind of impending doom. Moreland's film debut was in That's the Spirit (1936), although he did not have a credited role. Boxer Joe Louis helped him land his part in Sp...