Bill Robinson, also known as "Bojangles," was an American tap dancer and actor, best known for his movie roles with Shirley Temple in the 1930s. He was the highest-paid African–American entertainer in the first half of the twentieth century. He began his career at the tender age of 5, dancing at beer gardens for a living. He was known for his performances in minstrel shows, vaudeville, ‘Broadway’ theater, and Hollywood movies. He was equally popular on radio and TV. He is believed to have invented the “stair dance,” which involved tapping up and down a flight of stairs, both forward and backward. He was one of the first minstrel and vaudeville entertainers to have appeared without the “blackface” makeup. He was known for his partnership with fellow vaudevilian George W. Cooper. He was instrumental in founding the ‘Negro Actors Guild of America.’ In a way, he was a pioneer in championing the cause of black participation in the entertainment industry and in the erstwhile society. He was married thrice. In 1949, he died of a chronic heart condition in New York. Although he had earned an estimated US$2 million in his lifetime, Robinson died in poverty. He is still held in high regard by people, especially by the African-American community.