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Birth Date
Sandman Sims was born as Howard Sims in Fort Smith, Arkansas however he did grow up and spend most of his childhood in Los Angeles -
Began Dancing
Sims began dancing at the age of three, eventhough he never formally studied, dancing was more of a family affair -
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Beginning of "The Sandman"
After breaking his hand, Sims gave up his dream of becoming a boxer, he began playing with the sound of sand along with dance. -
Moved
During this year, Sims moved to Harlem, New York where he began to perform at the Apollo Theatre. -
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Life at the Appollo Theatre
During the mid 50's, Sims served at the Apollo Theatre stage manager. During this time he was known for the comical act of chasing amateur performers off the stage. He had much success working at this theatre. -
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Work Life
During the 60's, Sims did not see the world of fame. He instead worked as a dance teacher, mechanic, carpenter and operated a cafe. -
Tap Happening
Sims, along with several other veteran tap dancers, opened in Tap Happening. -
No Maps on My Taps
Sims starred in George T. Nierenberg's famous documentary, No Maps on My Taps -
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Career Take Off
During this time is where Sims began to reach his true fame as a dancer. One important role he had during this time was touring the world as an unofficial ambassador of tap dance for the U.S. State Department. -
It's Showtime in Apollo
Sims appeared in It's Showtime in Apollo. -
Big Year
During this year, Sims appeared as a hoofer in Francis Coppola's The Cotton Club. He also received the National Heritage Fellowship where he was rewarded a $5,000 prize. Sims used this money to transform a Harlem parking lot into an outdoor dancing school. -
Motown Returns to the Apollo
Sims starred in Motown Returns to the Apollo. -
Screen Roles
During 1989, Sims was in the documentary Tap Dance in America and his most significant screen role in the film Tap. -
The Cosby Show
Sims played the tap dance teacher in the "Mr. Sandman," episode of The Cosby Show. -
Award
Sims was an honoree at the Fourth Annual Young People's Tap Conference. -
Death
Unfortunately, Sims died in Bronx, New York. He suffered from Alzheimer's, diabetes and an ulcer.