Lester Young - Actor Profile

Lester Young

Acting
Updated: May 11, 2026
4Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 27, 1909
Birth Place: Woodville, Mississippi, U.S.

About Lester Young

Lester Willis Young (August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959), nicknamed "Pres" or "Prez", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and sometime clarinetist. Coming to prominence while a member of Count Basie's orchestra, Young was one of the most influential players on his instrument. In contrast to many of his hard-driving peers, Young played with a relaxed, cool tone and used sophisticated harmonies, using "a free-floating style, wheeling and diving like a gull, banking with low, funky riffs that pleased dancers and listeners alike".

Lester Young Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Lester Young reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 4 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Lester Young's work falls within the Music genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 50% of Lester Young's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Policy Man, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Lester Young Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Lester Young's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Lester Young has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2004 Improvisation Self Flop Similar →
1950 Improvisation Self Flop Similar →
1944 Jammin' the Blues Self - on Tenor Sax Hit Similar →
1938 Policy Man Himself Super Hit Similar →

Lester Young - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Lester Young?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Lester Young is "Policy Man" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Lester Young acted in?

Lester Young has been featured in at least 4 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Lester Young?

Other notable films include "Jammin' the Blues", "Improvisation", and "Improvisation".

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