- Died before the release of his last three films, including Patton (1970).
- First black actor to play the role of a fighter pilot in a film. This was for Battle Hymn (1957). The next time a black actor played a fighter pilot was in Iron Eagle (1986) with Louis Gossett Jr..
- When Dorothy Dandridge read for the title role in Carmen Jones (1954), Edwards read the part of Joe, although he was not considered for the role.
- Father James Valley Edwards was a laborer and religion instructor. Mother Annie Mae Johnson was a Baptist minister.
- Served in the United States Army during World War II.
- After high school he fought Golden Gloves and then became a professional boxer before going to college.
- Acting career went off the rails because he refused to tell the FBI agents who were interviewing him on behalf of the House Un-American Activities Committee anything about Paul Robeson or anyone else.
- After being discharged from the Army he became a member of Langston Hughes' Skyloft Players in Chicago.
- Graduated from Knoxville College.
- Taught acting and directed plays at the Ebony Showcase Theater in Los Angeles.
- Toured the US in a string of socially conscious plays.
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