<Li> Dooley Wilson as Sam . He was one of the few American - born members of the cast . A drummer , he had to fake playing the piano . Even after shooting had been completed , producer Wallis considered dubbing over Wilson 's voice for the songs . He had originally considered changing the character to a woman and casting singers Hazel Scott , Lena Horne , or Ella Fitzgerald . </Li>
who played the pianist sam of play it again sam theme in the movie casablanca
Dooley Wilson