Black Actresses, Classic Era 1. List 1 of 2 lists
List 1 of 2.
Born 1866 - 1930.
Born 1866 - 1930.
List activity
2.5K views
• 1 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
93 people
- Actress
- Soundtrack
June Richmond was born on 9 July 1915 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She was an actress, known for Liebe, Jazz und Übermut (1957), Ebony Parade (1947) and The Tour of the Grand Dukes (1953). She was married to Guy Provence. She died on 14 August 1962 in Gothenburg, Västra Götalands län, Sweden.9 credits, '37-'59
1915-1962, 47- Paulene Myers was born on 9 November 1913 in Ocilla, Georgia, USA. She was an actress, known for My Cousin Vinny (1992), The Sting (1973) and Playhouse 90 (1956). She died on 8 December 1996 in Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, USA.73 credits, '38-'92.
1913-1996, 83. - Carolle Drake was born on 29 August 1923 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. She was an actress, known for Band of Angels (1957). She was married to Billy Eckstine and Capt. Rev. Matthew C. Faulkner. She died on 17 August 2015 in Los Angeles, California, USA.1 acting credit
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Fredi Washington was a pioneering African-American actress whose fair skin and green eyes often were impediments to her showing her extraordinary acting skills. Her talent was often overlooked because of people's obsession with her race and color. In the few films in which she acted her enormous talent as an actress couldn't be hidden.
Her first film performance was with Duke Ellington in a musical short, Black and Tan (1929), as a dancer. In Hollywood she was urged to "pass" for fully white by studio heads, who said they would make her a bigger star than Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Constance Bennett and Greta Garbo. Fredi refused. Her best-known role was as the original Peola, in the controversial film Imitation of Life (1934). She appeared with Paul Robeson in The Emperor Jones (1933) and in a few other films with her skin darkened. Her best work was on the stage, notably in "Mamba's Daughters" with Ethel Waters. Fredi never made it to the top like her contemporaries Waters, Josephine Baker, and Nina Mae McKinney because she didn't look "black" enough. But Fredi had what it took, as is more than evident in the few films that she did do.
Her best work was as an activist. She was the head of the Negro Actors Guild, helping black performers get a fair chance in the entertainment industry. Hopefully, people who discover her work today will see her beauty and talent shine through and look beyond her skin color, unlike most people of her time.10 acting credits, 22-37.
Co-founder, head, Negro Actors Guild.
Equal Rights advocate.
Activist.
1903 - 1994, 90.- Myra Davis Hemmings was a schoolteacher in the San Antonio public school system for over fifty years; she was also active in the African-American community, particularly in amateur theatrics. She and her husband John formed the Hemmings Players, a group of amateur actors who put on plays and other performances in and about San Antonio. Mrs. Hemmings, a 1913 graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C., also earned a master's degree in speech from Northwestern in 1947. She is best known in some circles as one of the founders of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority; her personal papers are on deposit in the archives of the library of University of Texas - San Antonio.3 credits, '43-'46.
Teacher over 50 years in San Antonio.
Formed Hemmings Players.
1887-1968, 81. - Actress
- Soundtrack
The 'Real' Billie
Lillian--aka "Billie"--Yarbo. A forgotten name, to be sure (at least ever since the 1949 release of Look for the Silver Lining (1949), featuring Yarbo's final onscreen appearance, uncredited as were the great majority, in a career spanning not quite 15 years), yet the face that goes with that name will likely prove familiar to connoisseurs of Hollywood's "Golden Age."
Yarbo (née Yarbough) was an African-American actress, comedienne, dancer and singer, of both stage and screen. Born in Washington, D.C. on Friday, March 17, 1905, parents unknown (although it should be noted there is a "Yarbough, George; fireman," listed in the 1904, -05 and -06 D.C. Directories), Billie eventually made her way to New York, as did both her mother and at least one sister--though exactly when this happened and whether they made this pilgrimage all at once or separately and at different times remains unclear. By her early twenties, Yarbo--credited, prior to 1928, as Billie Yarbough--was a rising star, both in Harlem night spots and on the Broadway stage. Her early stage work, occasionally likened to that of her contemporary, Josephine Baker, was embraced by audiences and critics alike, beginning in the late 1920s and continuing until her 1936 screen debut.
Indeed, just a few years prior to launching his own screenwriting career, a young Charles Brackett, writing of Yarbo's breakout performance in the Broadway revue, "Keep Shufflin,'" registered his most emphatic 'thumbs up' in the March 10 New Yorker: "There is a Miss Billie Yarbough, who must have been designed by Covarrubias and must be seen." Granted, the Covarrubias reference may have been entirely lost on a sizable portion of TNY's readership; nonetheless, the near-simultaneous publication of both Vyvyan Donner's eye-catching New York Times caricature / caption and Ibee's characteristically terse yet unambiguously positive Variety blurb makes a compelling case that Billie's time had indeed come.
Yet despite what seemed a thriving stage career, both as a highly acclaimed dancer and, at the very least, a hugely self-assured singer ("To hell with Billie Holiday," as Yarbo later admonished jazz trumpeter Buck Clayton, "come down and listen to me--the real Billie!"), it is strictly her film work--undeniably more lucrative but affording relatively little margin for creativity or self-expression--for which Yarbo's face has come to be remembered. She appeared in at least two films in 1936 and another the following year before getting great notices and her first onscreen credit in the otherwise indifferently received Warren William vehicle, Wives Under Suspicion (1938). For that performance and her equally acclaimed turn in director Frank Capra's star-studded, award-winning comedy, You Can't Take It with You (1938), Yarbo was judged the year's best Negro comic actress by Pittsburgh Courier film critic Earl J. Morris. (In 1939, she was officially awarded that same distinction by the short-lived, Hollywood-based Sepia Theatrical Writers Guild). Indeed, even prior to 1938, the then thoroughly anonymous Yarbo--in Alfred L. Werker's much-rewritten Big Town Girl (1937)--managed to catch the eye of one discerning Philadelphia Inquirer critic, the suitably inquisitive Mildred Martin:
"... and a Negro lassie--inexcusably omitted from the cast list--renders yeoman service and considerable comedy as the "countess' " maid".
Awards and critical plaudits aside, and notwithstanding the career-building intentions ascribed to her erstwhile director King Vidor (following Yarbo's sophomore screen turn, appearing uncredited alongside Barbara Stanwyck in Stella Dallas (1937)), Yarbo continued to be routinely cast in bit parts, primarily as a maid, cook or otherwise low-skilled worker, often uncredited, appearing in close to 50 films between 1936 and 1949.
One melancholy footnote:
In the fall of 1943, amidst an otherwise setback-laden half-decade (with her immediate family beset by both sudden death and serious illness), a potentially career-altering opportunity for Billie--appearing in a straight dramatic role alongside Canada Lee, under Orson Welles's direction, in what most likely would have become the definitive screen version of Richard Wright's "Native Son"--fell by the wayside when Welles proved unavailable. Not quite one month later, a near fatal car crash added injury to insult, putting Yarbo out of commission for the first half of 1944, and setting the stage for an uncharacteristically light workload over the remaining five years of her screen career; going out much as it had come in--i.e. with an almost entirely uncredited whimper.
As if to add one final insult, said career concluded with this onetime must-see musical comedy wunderkind--forever denied the opportunity to translate her own unique, exhilarating and much-lauded skill set from stage to screen--reduced to portraying the maid of the celebrated but considerably less distinctive stage-AND-screen musical comedy star Marilyn Miller (as portrayed by June Haver, no less; a movies-only song-'n'-dance star of decidedly lesser proportions then either Yarbo or Miller, who nonetheless, in the course of her own relatively short-lived, nondescript career, achieved far greater fame than Billie Yarbough ever would).1905-1996. (91).
48 credits, 1936-1949.- Actress
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Linda Hopkins was born on 14 December 1924 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. She was an actress, known for Leprechaun 2 (1994), Great Performances (1971) and The Kitchen (2019). She died on 10 April 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Actress
Billie Holiday was a true artist of her day and rose as a social phenomenon in the 1950s. Her soulful, unique singing voice and her ability to boldly turn any material that she confronted into her own music made her a superstar of her time. Today, Holiday is remembered for her masterpieces, creativity and vivacity, as many of Holiday's songs are as well known today as they were decades ago. Holiday's poignant voice is still considered to be one of the greatest jazz voices of all time.
At the age of 18 and after gaining more experience than most adult musicians can claim, Holiday was spotted by John Hammond and cut her first record as part of a studio group led by Benny Goodman, who was then just on the verge of public prominence. In 1935 Holiday's career got a big push when she recorded four sides that went on to become hits, including "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" and "Miss Brown to You." This landed her a recording contract of her own, and then, until 1942, she recorded a number of master tracks that would ultimately become an important building block of early American jazz music.
Holiday recorded about 100 new recordings on another label, Verve, from 1952 to 1959. Her voice became more rugged and vulnerable on these tracks than earlier in her career. During this period, she toured Europe, and made her final studio recordings for the MGM label in March of 1959. Billie Holiday, a musical legend still popular today, died an untimely death at the age of 44. Her emotive voice, innovative techniques and touching songs will forever be remembered and enjoyed1915-1959. (44).
3 acting credits, 1933-1976.
2 music department credits.
1 writer credit.
1 soundtrack department.
9 self credits, 1935-1959.
176 soundtrack credits, 1935-2016.- Helen Martin was born on 23 July 1909 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. She was an actress and writer, known for Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996), Death Wish (1974) and Bulworth (1998). She died on 25 March 2000 in Monterey, California, USA.61 credits, 1955-2000.
2 writer credits.
1 soundtrack credit.
4 self credits, 1988-1996.
1909-2000. (90).
Attended University.
In Orson Welles's - 1941 Native Son.
A Co-founder, American Negro Theater.
Thank you to Daniel S. for the mention of Helen Martin. - Music Artist
- Actress
- Music Department
On Saturday, June 15th, 1996, an era in jazz singing came to an end, with the death of Ella Fitzgerald at her home in California. She was the last of four great female jazz singers (including Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and Carmen McRae) who defined one of the most prolific eras in jazz vocal style. Ella had extraordinary vocal skills from the time she was a teenager, and joined the Chick Webb Orchestra in 1935 when she was 16 years old. With an output of more than 200 albums, she was at her sophisticated best with the songs of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, of George Gershwin, and of Cole Porter. Her 13 Grammy awards are more than any other jazz performer, and she won the Best Female Vocalist award three years in a row. Completely at home with up-tempo songs, her scat singing placed her jazz vocals with the finest jazz instrumentalists, and it was this magnificent voice that she brought to her film appearances. Her last few years, during which she had a bout with congestive heart failure and suffered bilateral amputation of her legs from complications of diabetes, were spent in seclusion.6 acting credits, 1942-1981.
2 composer credits.
95 self credits, 1949-2013.
160 soundtrack credits, 1938-2016.
1917-1996, (79).- Clarice Taylor was born on 20 September 1917 in Buckingham County, Virginia, USA. She was an actress, known for Play Misty for Me (1971), The Cosby Show (1984) and Smoke (1995). She was married to Maxwell Glanville. She died on 30 May 2011 in Englewood, New Jersey, USA.24 credits, 1968-1998. Clarice Taylor was in her 50s in 1968.
3 self credits, 1986, 1987, 2002.
1917-2011. (93).
Co-founder, Harlem's American Negro Theater.
Thank you to Daniel S. for this addition to the list. - Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Cicely Tyson was born in Harlem, New York City, where she was raised by her devoutly religious parents, who had come from the Caribbean island of Nevis. Her mother Theodosia was a domestic worker and her her father William was a carpenter and painter. Tyson was discovered by a fashion editor at Ebony Magazine, and with her stunning looks she quickly rose to the top of the modeling industry. In 1957 she began acting in Off-Broadway productions. She had small roles in feature films before she was cast as Portia in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968). Four years later, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her sensational performance in the critically-acclaimed film Sounder (1972). In 1974, she went on to portray a 110-year-old former slave in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974), which earned her two Emmy Awards. She also appeared in the television miniseries Roots (1977), King (1978), and A Woman Called Moses (1978). While Cicely has not appeared steadily onscreen because of her loyalty to solely portraying strong, positive images of Black women, she is definitely one of the most talented, beautiful actresses who ever graced stage or screen.1924 -
91+ credits, 1951-2016.
112 self credits, 1963-2012.- A veteran actress, Lynn, a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, made her film debut in Shadows (1958) directed by John Cassavetes. She may be best known for her role as "Donna Harris", a licensed practical nurse and girlfriend of Fred Sanford on Sanford and Son (1972), from 1972-77. Hamilton also had a recurring role as "Verdie" on The Waltons (1972), and made numerous appearances on such television sitcoms, soap operas and miniseries, including Dangerous Women (1991), 227 (1985), Generations (1989), Port Charles (1997), Roots: The Next Generations (1979), and The Golden Girls (1985).1930 -
64 acting credits, 1959-2009.
3 self credits, 2003-2015. - Zara Cully was born on 26 January 1892 in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. She was an actress, known for The Jeffersons (1975), All in the Family (1971) and Sugar Hill (1974). She was married to James M. Brown. She died on 28 February 1978 in Los Angeles, California, USA.1892-1978. (86).
13 credits, 1965-1977. - Actress
- Soundtrack
With plenty of heart and soul, singer/actress Virginia Capers served up loads of music in an entertainment career that spanned several decades. The benevolent, plus-sized talent was born Eliza Virginia Capers on September 22, 1925, in South Carolina and attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., before studying voice at Juilliard in Manhattan.
She began her career on the Yiddish stage in 1950. By happenstance, Virginia was introduced to band leader Abe Lyman who hired her for his radio program and for on-the-road tours. In the late 50s, she had made it to all the way to Broadway with productions of "Jamaica" (1957) and then "Saratoga" (1959) albeit in chorus/understudy roles. Playing older than she was, the 34-year-old went on to take over the role of Grandma Obeah in the "Jamaica" production.
Moving to TV and occasional film roles into the 1960's, Virginia found work on such TV programs as "Have Gun, Will Travel," "General Electric Theatre," "The Untouchables," "Daniel Boone," "Death Valley Days," "Judd for the Defense," "My Three Sons," "Marcus Welby," "Bracken's World," "Longstreet," "The Rookies," "Mannix" and a recurring role on Julia (1968). Infrequent movie work included minor roles in House of Women (1962), The Ride to Hangman's Tree (1967), The Lost Man (1969), Norwood (1970), The Great White Hope (1970), Big Jake (1971), Trouble Man (1972) and as Billie Holiday's mother in Lady Sings the Blues (1972) starring Diana Ross as the tragic jazz singer.
The singer reached the apex of her career on Broadway in 1974. Handed the role of her career as matriarch Lena Younger in "Raisin," the musical stage version of Lorraine Hansberry's classic drama "Raisin in the Sun," Virginia copped the Tony Award for "lead actress" and was given the honor to perform the part later in a straight dramatic version.
With this success, Virginia worked diligently in its aftermath to fight off rigid Hollywood stereotypes and, on occasion, played judges, nurses and other professional types. Just the same, she still found herself all too often typecast as poor, husband-less mothers or proud domestic help. Nevertheless, her nationwide recognition led to plentiful work on such TV dramas as "The Waltons," "Quincy," "Dynasty," "Highway to Heaven," "Murder, She Wrote," "St. Elsewhere," "Knot's Landing," "Party of Five," ER" and a recurring role on Downtown (1986), as well as the TV comedies "Mork & Mindy," "227," "The Golden Girls," "Evening Shade," "Married...with Children," and recurring roles on both The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990) and The Hughleys (1998).
On the film front, Virginia had latter roles in the film The Toy (1982), Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) (as Nurse Sparrow), Howard the Duck (1986), Backfire (1987), Pacific Palisades (1990), Beethoven's 2nd (1993), Dependent (1994) and Bad City Blues (1999).
Having long made her move from New York to Hollywood, Virginia went on to found in 1984 the Lafayette Players West, a performing arts repertory troupe that provided stage work for (primarily) black actors. She also received the National Black Theatre Festival Living Legend Award, the Paul Robeson Pioneer Award and the NAACP's Image Award for theatre excellence. The unmarried actress died complications from pneumonia on May 6, 2004. She was 78 and survived by a son and brother. At the time of her death, Virginia was in rehearsal for a tribute to Oscar-nominated character actress Juanita Moore.1925-2004. (78).
105 credits, 1961-2003.
4 self credits, 1974-2005.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Best known for her role as Aunt Esther Anderson on "Sanford And Son", she appeared in many films including "Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood" (1996), "Friday" (1995), "The Legend of Dolemite" (1994), "West From North Goes South" (1993), "The Meteor Man" (1993), "CB4" (1993), "Shakes The Clown" (1991), "My Blue Heaven" (1990), "Mausoleum" (1983), "Goodbye Cruel World" (1982), "Zapped!" (1982) and "Stonestreet: Who Killed The Centerfold Maid" (1977). Page also appeared in many television series' in her career, "Redd Foxx, The E! True Hollywood Story," "Biography," "The Parent Hood," "The Sinbad Show," "Martin," "Family Matters," "Amen," "227," "Starsky And Hutch," "Different Strokes," "The Love Boat," "Redd Foxx," "B.A.D. Cats," and "Sanford And Son."1920-2002. (81).
32 credits, 1977-2004.
19 self credits, 1975-2000.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Beautiful multi-talented Sheila Guyse was a popular, well-loved figure on the stage and screen of the Dorothy Dandridge era. Some critics even felt she was a better actress than Dandridge, some said if Sheila ever decided to go to Hollywood, she would give her a run for her money. She appeared in three independent black films, "Boy, What A Girl", "Sepia Cinderella" and "Miracle In Harlem" giving magnificent performances in all of them.
Guyse wasn't an experienced or trained actress but you never know it. She appeared in many stage productions such as "Lost in the Stars" and "Finian's Rainbow" which were both long-running. Her singing voice was as beautiful as she was, divine, sweet, easy on the ears whether singing jazz, pop, or gospel.
Very popular in the 1940s and 1950s, Sheila graced many covers of magazines like Jet, Ebony, Our World and many others, reviews were always flattering.5 credits, '47-'57
1925-2013, 88- Actress
- Soundtrack
Theresa Merritt was born on 24 September 1922 in Newport News, Virginia, USA. She was an actress, known for Billy Madison (1995), The Wiz (1978) and The Goodbye Girl (1977). She was married to Benjamin Hines. She died on 12 June 1998 in The Bronx, New York, USA.1924-1998. (73).
26 credits, 1969-1998.- Actress
- Additional Crew
Doris Ake was born on 31 August 1916 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She was an actress, known for Up Jumped the Devil (1941). She died on 5 October 1985 in Los Angeles, California, USA.9 credits, '41-'53
1916-1985, 69- Billie Allen attended Hampton Institute, now Hampton University then came to New York to study dance and acting. "On the Town" was her first Broadway musical with many others to follow. She studied acting and directing with Lee Strasburg, Lloyd Richards and Howard Clerman. Some of her Broadway credits include: Raisin in the Sun, Blues for Mr Charlie, Critic Choice. Off Broadway: Mamba's Daughter with Ethel Waters, Summer stock; Journey into Shakespeare at Birkshire Theatre Festival
She is a founding member of Frank Silvera Writers Workshop and League of Professional Theatre Women, in NYC. Sits on the advisory board of The Cherry Lane Theatre, AMAS Musical Theatre, New Federal Theatre, Riverside Theatre & Womens Project. She serves on the advisory committee of American Theatre Wing and is an active member of TONY Administrator committee.
Lives and works as an actor & director in New York.15 acting credits, '49-'96
1925 -12/29/15. (90).
Attended University.
Stage Director and Drama Coach. - Ernestine Anderson was born on 11 November 1927 in Houston, Texas, USA. She died on 10 March 2016 in Seattle, Washington, USA.1916-1978. (61).
1 acting credit.
2 soundtrack credits.
4 self credits. - Actress
Tall, statuesque beauty Juliette Ball was one of the many gorgeous starlets of the 1930's and 1940's who had dreams of movie stardom. Juliette Ball worked in films as a dancer in "Cabin In The Sky," "Stormy Weather," and "Broadway Rhythm." She appeared as a dancer and extra in a few Lena Horne films and specialty numbers.
Juliette Ball also worked as a model. She also was a good friend of Dorothy Dandridge.8 credits.
1923-2010, 87- Sylvia Birdsong was born in 1908 in Panama. She is an actress, known for A Daughter of the Congo (1930) and Wages of Sin (1929).2 credits, '29,'30
- Kathryn Boyd was born on 13 September 1897 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. She was an actress, known for Black Gold (1928), The Flying Ace (1926) and Deceit (1923). She was married to Abraham L. Roach, Milton M. Cloud, M.D. and Irvin C. Miller. She died on 16 March 1965 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.3 credits, '23-'32
- Gorgeous and reserved actress and dancer Mildred Boyd had a three decade movie career, starting in the 1920s in silents to the 1950s she graced the screen with her modest but illuminating, youthful presence whether in bit parts or dancing parts. Mildred Boyd is another unsung black performer and actress who goes uncredited in the history of entertainment and movie history, though she has contributed her talent and beauty to many films, some where she had gone uncredited, her warm presence was always a contribution to any film. Mildred was born in Tennessee and came to Los Angeles, California either during her teens or early 20s where she became a chorus girl at one of the premier black nightclubs on the West Coast, The Sebastian's Cotton Club, where she danced for many years and on the side she did movie work. Like girls of all races, pretty Mildred wanted to be in pictures, with the few roles offered to blacks being that of maids, Mildred played maid roles but played those roles with dignity, offering other admirable characteristics to the roles like her beauty, charm, and refinement, not only did she play maid roles, she contributed her dancing talents to Hollywood films that had black musical numbers and she danced as well in L.A. Black Cinema/Race films that had musical numbers and also doubled as an extra in those films. In some of the race films Mildred got a chance to really act where she proved herself a classy, demure actress without the maid costume. In the mid-1940s, she performed in quite a few soundies, she also starred in a soundie dancing with another female partner titled "Mildred and Bow" where Mildred showed her boogie talent. There were a few Hollywood films, such as "I Love a Bandleader" and film noir classic "Out of the Past" where Mildred got a chance to come out of the maid roles and give impressive performances as a true actress playing someone from all walks of life.
In the 1950s, Mildred retired from show business and along with it overlooked and forgotten in the field of entertainment, Golden Era Cinema, and black entertainment history.36 credits, 1928-1952 - Actress
- Soundtrack
Hadda Brooks was born on 29 October 1916 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She was an actress, known for In a Lonely Place (1950), The Thirteenth Floor (1999) and The Crossing Guard (1995). She was married to Earl Morrison. She died on 21 November 2002 in Los Angeles, California, USA.8 credits, 1950-2000
1916-2002, 86- Actress
Evelyn Pope Burwell was born on 19 November 1904 in Richmond, Virginia, USA. She was an actress. She died on 2 June 1974 in Los Angeles, California, USA.2 credits, '29,'51.
1904-1974, 69- Actress
- Soundtrack
Thelma Carpenter, the only child of Mary and Fred Carpenter, was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 15, 1922, and her career spanned seven decades. She was performing on radio programs like Jack Darrell's "Kiddies Hour" and the "Horn and Hardart Children's Hour" at age 5 and had her own show on WNYC by age 11. After winning an Apollo Theatre amateur night in 1938, she headlined at Kelly's Stable on legendary 52nd Street while still a teen. She was heard by John Hammond; he placed her with Teddy Wilson's band, with whom she appeared at the Famous Door and made her first recordings for Brunswick in 1939. She joined Coleman Hawkins' orchestra in 1940 and recorded "He's Funny That Way" for RCA Bluebird. In 1943, she replaced Helen Humes in the Count Basie Band, with whom she toured for two years and made numerous broadcast recordings, as well as the Columbia single "I Didn't Know About You." She made her Broadway debut in "Memphis Bound" with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in 1944 and replaced Dinah Shore as featured vocalist on the weekly "Eddie Cantor Show" for the 1945-46 season on NBC. She also signed her first contract as a solo artist with Majestic Records, releasing a dozen sides including "My Guy's Come Back," "Can't Help Lovin' That Man," "Hurry Home," and "Harlem on My Mind," as well as a swing version of "Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho," backed by the Ames Brothers in their recording debut. She later recorded two sides with pianist Herman Chittison for Musicraft and four sides for Columbia. In 1947 she returned to Broadway in the hit revue "Inside U.S.A." with Beatrice Lillie, followed by a revival of "Shuffle Along" in 1952 and the musical "Ankles Aweigh" in 1955. She also did extensive nightclub work and headlined stage shows at such theaters as Loew's State, the Capitol, and the Palace. She made early TV appearances with Duke Ellington, Jackie Gleason, and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. She signed with Coral Records in 1961 and had a hit single answering Elvis Presley with "Yes, I'm Lonesome Tonight" and recorded the album "Thinking of You Tonight," released in 1963. In 1968, she was hired as stand-in for Pearl Bailey in "Hello, Dolly!" and she soon took over the matinees and played more than 100 performances. She created the role of Irene Paige in "Bubbling Brown Sugar," and was signed by Bob Fosse to play the Irene Ryan role of Berthe in the national tour of "Pippin." She co-starred as the mother in a TV sitcom version of Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" and in 1978 made her major film debut as Miss One in Sidney Lumet's production of "The Wiz" with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. She played the mother of Gregory and Maurice Hines in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Cotton Club" and had TV acting roles on "The Love Boat," "The Paul Lynde Show," and "Cosby," as well as the movies "Call Her Mom" with Connie Stevens and "The Devil's Daughter" with Shelley Winters. Her last major singing performance was on the 1993 all-star NBC special "Apollo Theatre Hall of Fame." She died of a heart attack in 1997.1922-1997. (75).
11 credits, 1943-1976.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Savannah Churchill was born on 21 August 1915 in Colfax, Louisiana, USA. She was an actress, known for Souls of Sin (1949), Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) and Harlem Follies of 1949 (1950). She died on 19 April 1974 in Brooklyn, New York, USA.3 credits, '48-'50
1919-1974, 54- Flo Clements was born in May 1892 in Shelby County, Tennessee, USA. She is known for Within Our Gates (1920) and The Brute (1920).2 credits, 1920
- Inez Clough was born on 1 March 1873 in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. She was an actress, known for The Gunsaulus Mystery (1921), Ties of Blood (1921) and Secret Sorrow (1921). She was married to Henry Hogan. She died on 21 November 1933 in Elgin, Illinois, USA.5 credits, '21-'22.
1873-1933, 60 - Actress
- Soundtrack
Janet Collins was born on 7 March 1917 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. She was an actress, known for Flamingo (1942), Carmen (1952) and The Admiral Broadway Revue (1949). She died on 28 May 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.3 credits, '42-46.
1917-2003, 86- Actress
- Soundtrack
Willa Pearl Curtis was born on 21 March 1896 in Texas, USA. She was an actress, known for Second Chorus (1940), The Wages of Sin (1938) and Mom and Dad (1945). She died on 19 December 1970 in Los Angeles, California, USA.1896-1970. (74).
39 credits, 1938-1964.
In top 5 credits in 3 films.
Keep Out of Reach of Adults (1964)- Ardelle Dabney was born on 19 September 1889 in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA. She was an actress, known for Thirty Years Later (1928), Wages of Sin (1929) and The Broken Violin (1927). She was married to Elijah Dabney and William Taylor. She died on 13 March 1965 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.3 credits, '27-'29
1884-1965, 81 - Dora Dean was born on 4 August 1874 in Cloverport, Kentucky, USA. She was an actress, known for Georgia Rose (1930), Time Lock No. 776 (1915) and Silver Threads Among the Gold (1915). She was married to Charles E. Johnson. She died on 12 December 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.7 credits, '15-'30.
1874-1949, 75 - Actress
Strikingly beautiful Dorothea Durham was a popular dancer in the 1930's and 1940's, who also appeared in Hollywood films. Dorothea's beauty and graceful, sensual dancing style was often written about in African American newspapers of the time. She headlined at popular clubs such as Sebastian's Cotton Club and Rhumboogie, and theater revues billed as Garbo, after the actress Greta Garbo, possibly because her of her aloofness, like the actress.
Dorothea started her dance career in popular Chicago and Harlem nightclubs and was one of the women brought out to California to become apart of the thriving African American nightclub nightlife on Central Avenue in the 1930's and 1940's, known as the Harlem of the West. Her beauty and talent got her into films. She appeared in most of all the black cast musical numbers in Hollywood films, including "Cabin In The Sky" and "Stormy Weather." Dorothea also was a sensation in Duke Ellington's Jump For Joy. She was once married to musician Jackie Kelso.6 credits.
1912-1990, 78- Frances Foster was born on 11 June 1924 in Yonkers, New York, USA. She was an actress, known for Clockers (1995), Malcolm X (1992) and Crooklyn (1994). She was married to Robert Stansfield Foster and Morton Goldsen. She died on 17 June 1997 in Fairfax, Virginia, USA.1924-1997. (73).
43 credits, 1952-1996.
2 self credits, 1986, 1989.
Co-founder, Negro Ensemble Company. - Bee Freeman was known as "the sepia Mae West" because of her sexy voice and innuendo-laden manner of delivering her lines. Bee had a style all her own, though--cool, calm and collected with a lot of sex appeal. Bee Freeman was one of Oscar Micheaux's favorite ladies, appearing in his best films: Chicago After Midnight (1928), Murder in Harlem (1935), Temptation (1935) and Underworld (1937).
Freeman was famous for playing the cigarette-smoking seductress and the femme fatale, and was one of the few black sex symbols on the screen. Even without her sex appeal, however, she was a fine actress, very natural and convincing. Audiences back then enjoyed her performances in films, as do audiences of today.
Little is known about Bee but it is known that she danced in the chorus lines of major Broadway shows with future stars like Josephine Baker. Her name is familiar to modern film aficionados and her films can be seen today, but not much is known about the woman herself. Hopefully some information will surface in the future on this talented lady.5 credits, '24-'37
1899-1986, 87 - Actress
- Soundtrack
Mercedes Gilbert was born on 26 July 1894 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. She was an actress, known for Lights Out (1946), The Call of His People (1921) and Moon Over Harlem (1939). She was married to Arthur J. Stevenson. She died on 1 March 1952 in New York City, New York, USA.5 credits, '21-'25
1894-1952,57- Director
- Actress
- Writer
Eloyce Gist was born on 21 October 1892 in Hitchcock, Texas, USA. She was a director and actress, known for Hellbound Train (1930), Verdict Not Guilty (1933) and Heaven-Bound Traveler (1935). She was married to John William Slaughter, Arthur C. Wood, James Gist and Roscoe C. Patrick. She died in 1974.1892 - 1974, (81).- Actress
- Soundtrack
Sally Gooding was born in 1916 in South Carolina, USA. She was an actress, known for The Notorious Elinor Lee (1940), Mills Blue Rhythm Band (1934) and Hits of Today (1934). She died on 29 January 1952 in Brooklyn, New York, USA.3 credits, '34-'40- Willor Lee Guilford was one of Oscar Micheaux's early leading ladies, a pretty, curvacious actress who usually played the "troubled girl," no matter where or what she did...trouble seemed to follow her.
Willor Lee was a good dramatic actress. Never one to under act or over act. She was warm, likeable, great when it came to the emotional part of acting...she was capable of acting out what she felt. In "Ten Minutes to Live," Willor Lee played the troubled girl with "Ten Minutes to Live" who gets mixed up unknowingly into trouble with gangsters. In the silent parts of the movie, she's great letting the audience know of her emotions with her facial gestures.
Willor Lee was a wonderful actress, hopefully family will let the world know who this woman was so she can take her place among the most talented and beautiful actresses in Black Cinema.1912 -
4 credits, '40-'42 - Suzette Harbin won a beauty contest which gained the way for a movie career. Suzette started out appearing in many Hollywood films that had African American musical numbers, she either sang, danced, or just looked pretty. She also appeared in the iconic films, Cabin in the Sky (1943), (where she had a speaking part, close-ups, and danced), and she also danced in Stormy Weather (1943). She often appeared in Lena Horne's musical numbers. She also danced and sang in Duke Ellington's Jump for Joy musical. Suzette may be more recognizable for her roles in The Foxes of Harrow (1947), Look-Out Sister (1947), and Bomba and the Jungle Girl (1952). She became a star through the movie "The Foxes of Harrow," her wonderful performance in the controversial film made her a movie star. She played the role of a beautiful slave girl who would rather die than bring her child up in slavery. She was praised for being the first to play such a role and not be stereotypical. Her versatility, magnetic presence, and trademark million dollar smile always won over audiences and gained her commendable roles on stage and screen.
Suzette's many performances in films and stage elevated her to star status. She appeared on the covers of Jet magazine and in many black newspapers of the day. To add to her list of achievements, Suzette entertained the GIs in Korea in the early 1950s. She was considered a rivalry for Marilyn Monroe who also performed for the GIs, though Monroe received more publicity. It was Suzette who the GIs gave a bigger applause to and came out in greater numbers.18 credits, '41-'55
1911-1994, 83 - Avanelle Harris was born on 18 February 1917 in Wisconsin, USA. She was an actress, known for Up Jumped the Devil (1941) and Lucky Ghost (1942). She died on 5 February 2014 in Los Angeles, California, USA.17 credits, '36-'45
1917- - Actress
- Soundtrack
Edna Mae Harris was one of the best actresses of the Black race in the 1930s and 1940s. She starred in some of the best all black cast independently produced movies in the 1930s and 1940s. An attractive woman who had a soulful voice, personality, sex appeal, she was a triple threat to show business, for she could sing, dance, and act. She was the personification of an Harlem performer, sexy, vivacious, alive, hot and full of life. Edna found fame by playing in the stage and screen version of The Green Pastures (1936) as Zeba. Naturally audiences loved her, and she received glorious reviews. So it was no surprised when Hollywood asked her to repeat her role on screen and she repeated getting wonderful acclaim. During the Black Cinema, Edna Mae was very much in demand starring in some of the top black movies Spirit of Youth (1938), Paradise in Harlem (1939), Sunday Sinners (1940), The Notorious Elinor Lee (1940), and Tall, Tan, and Terrific (1946), showing her excellent acting skills in drama and comedy. Edna Mae Harris got to tell her story in her later years in the documentary, Midnight Ramble (1994), about independently produced black films.14 credits, '36-'94.
1910-1997, 86- Vivian Harris was born on 23 November 1902 in Harlem, New York, USA. She was an actress, known for Disco Godfather (1979) and Burlesque in Harlem (1949). She died on 18 February 2000 in Englewood, New Jersey, USA.1902 - 2000, 97.
- Actress
In the 1940s, strikingly beautiful Kathleen Hartsfield was a model and movie dancer in Cabin in the Sky (1943), I Walked with a Zombie (1943), Stormy Weather (1943), and Broadway Rhythm (1944). She appeared as a dancer in two of Lena Horne's biggest movies, "Cabin In The Sky" and "Stormy Weather," both films gave many African American women a chance to shine, and Kathleen was one of them. In "Cabin In The Sky," Kathleen was a dancer in the cabaret scene, and in "Stormy Weather," Kathleen was a dancer and hatcheck girl in the early nightclub scene, where she has a few minutes of close-ups while checking Bill Robinson's hat. Kathleen also appeared as a dancer in a Lena Horne number "Brazilian Boogie" in the movie "Broadway Rhythm." She definitely had the beauty, personality, and talent to become a movie star.4 acting credits.
1921-1990, 69- Pretty and charming as ever Shirley Haven. Shirley Haven was another versatile black actress who should be added to the top of the class of many appealing actresses. Shirley certainly was in a class of her own. She was one of the few actresses who was like a breath of fresh air on sight. She was as sweet as can be. Her acting techniques were simple but powerful, her presence was warm, sweet, and understanding. She never had to raise her voice or over act to get her feelings and point across. "No Time for Romance" was Shirley's first and best movie. It was the last great of Black Cinema and the first film in color. She was a gem who made you smile every time you saw her. Shirley stole every scene she was in with her bubbly personality, her smile, her grace, and her wonderful speaking voice. Her aura just came from the screen and made you love her and want to know her. She was truly the girl next door. Shirley didn't do many movies but what she did leave behind is valuable and a must see! She's another who brought a new defining image of a black woman on screen that all can relate to.6 credits, ''48-'57
- Actress
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Lillian Hayman was born on 17 July 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. She was an actress, known for Mandingo (1975), Drum (1976) and One Life to Live (1968). She died on 25 October 1994 in Hollis, New York, USA.1922-1994. (72).
9 credits, 1968-1986.
1968 Tony - Best Performance By a Featured Actress in a Musical.- Shingzie Howard was born on 2 November 1902 in Pennsylvania, USA. She was an actress, known for The House Behind the Cedars (1927), A Son of Satan (1924) and Uncle Jasper's Will (1922). She was married to Charles Paul McClane. She died in July 1992 in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA.10 credits, 1922-1994
1902-1992, 89 - Writer
- Director
- Cinematographer
Zora Neale Hurston was born on 7 January 1891 in Notasulga, Alabama, USA. She was a writer and director, known for She's Gotta Have It (1986), American Playhouse (1980) and Hands Upon the Heart (1991). She was married to James Howell Pitts, Albert Price III and Herbert Sheen. She died on 28 January 1960 in Saint Lucie County, Florida, USA.1891 - 1960, (69).- Actress
- Soundtrack
Roberta Hyson was an actress and nightclub dancer. She was in the first black talkie shorts made in Hollywood, co-starring with Evelyn Preer, and they formed a great comedy duo. Roberta had a real flair for physical comedy, too, which she utilized in her singing and dancing.
She was the ultimate performer, a popular entertainer in the late 1920s and early 1930s on stage and in films. Her roles were enjoyable, and didn't descend into the stereotypical "mammy" or "maid" roles to which most black actresses were limited. She was among the few who got a chance to "just be" on screen and was one of the first black entertainers to provide positive images and role models for black people in a business that had precious few of them.6 credits, '29-'30
1905-1989, 83- Actress
- Soundtrack
Delicate beauty Ida James was a sweet, honey-voiced singer whose singing could rival the birds. She gained popularity in the 1940s for her beauty, high, bird-like voice, grace, and glamour. She was the definition of daintiness and winsomeness. She gained stardom by singing her trademark song, "Shoo Shoo Baby," and from then on, she was always known as and billed as "The Shoo Shoo Baby" and "The Shoo Shoo Girl." Her recognition came by singing with Nat 'King' Cole, and they both popularized the song "Is You Is, Or Is Not My Baby," which they sang in a musical short together. She sang with various popular trios and bands with which she recorded. In 1945, she was voted by music fans as one of the top twenty popular vocalists in America. As an actress, she was very convincing, her first screen appearance was in The Devil's Daughter (1939) where she gave a watchable performance, demonstrating that she could be a fine actress, given the chance. Several years later, she appeared in Hi De Ho (1947) with Cab Calloway, where she gave another good performance, and in between, she did quite a few musical shorts. She appeared in leading Black magazines and print ads of the time as well. Ida James was always a likable presence on stage and screen, irresistibly pleasing to the eyes and to the ears.3 acting credits- 2 credits, '18
- Attractive Sybil Lewis was one of the best, most convincing actresses of Black Cinema. Her sophisticated, sometimes snooty presence was one of many but her more popular approach to acting always worked whether in drama, straight, romance or comedy roles and always remained likable. Sybil's acting would remind one of a Rosalind Russell or even Bette Davis. She was able to adapt to any role and make a film worth watching even if she was the only one acting. Her training and natural touch to acting, gave those films substantiality. "Mystery In Swing," "Broken Strings," "Am I Guilty?," "Midnight Menace," "Lucky Gamblers," "Boy! What a Girl!," and "Miracle in Harlem," are Black Cinema films where Sybil and others got to be a real actress, not a "Black" actress but actress without a label or stereotype and she got to play roles of people from all walks of life unlike Blacks in Hollywood. Even in Hollywood movies, "Revenge of the Zombies," "Going My Way," and "The Very Thought of You," Sybil had a chance to use her acting skills and not be stereotyped too much because of her race.10 credits, '40-'48
- Rosalee Lincoln was one of the most beautiful dancers/actresses of the West Coast in the 1930's. She enjoyed popularity dancing at some of the most premier African American nightclubs in California, such as The Cotton Club. Her beauty, shapely figure, charm, beautiful-dimpled smile, and sexy dancing talent made her one of the most popular in her time, often featured in African American newspapers, and her beauty gained her entry into movies making her one of the first African American women in films. At the time, Hollywood wasn't open to women of color, but Rosalee Lincoln appeared in many films as a dancer and beauty. She appeared in quite a few un-stereotypical roles, such as in "The Garden of Allah" as a dancing oasis girl, starring Marlene Dietrich. She danced in a sexy Cotton Club number in the film "Vogues of 1938" and starred with the first black cowboy Herb Jeffries in "Two Gun Man From Harlem" as the sexy dancing Dolores. Rosalee Lincoln also worked as a saleslady in a clothing store in California, but she came out of retirement to appear in Lena Horne's and Bill Bojangles Robinson's "Stormy Weather" as a dancer.11 credits, '28-'43
1909-1992, 82 - Henrietta Loveless was born on 26 August 1903 in Polk County, Georgia, USA. She was an actress, known for Murder in Harlem (1935) and The Spider's Web (1927). She was married to Melvin Anderson. She died on 15 January 1934 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.2 credits, '27,'28
- Bessie Lyle is known for The Littlest Rebel (1935) and Illusion (1929).7 credits, '29-'36
- Julia Mason is known for Devil for a Day (1917), Wrong All Around (1917) and A Milk Fed Hero (1918).9 acting credits, '17-'18
- Florence McClain is known for Money Talks in Darktown (1915), A Natural Born Shooter (1917) and Aladdin Jones (1915).5 acting credits, '14-'17
- Arline Mickey was born on 3 November 1910 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She was an actress, known for Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926), The Prince of His Race (1926) and Children of Fate (1928). She was married to Nathan G. Chaney. She died on 2 September 1988 in Los Angeles, California, USA.3 credits, '26-'28
- Actress
- Additional Crew
Gorgeous, vivacious, glamour girl Millie Monroe was another black beauty that contributed her talent and beauty to films but didn't get the fair chance she so deserved in films. Millie Monroe was a California based dancer, singer, and actress who appeared in many Hollywood and race films in the 1940s. Because of her striking resemblance to Lena Horne, Millie was chosen to be a stand-in for Lena in Cabin in the Sky. Millie also performed in Duke Ellington's stage production of "Jump for Joy," a sensational musical that included many at the time would be legends performers like Dorothy Dandridge and Herb Jeffries.9 credits, '40-'47- Katherine Moore appeared in only three films directed and produced by Spencer Williams - the pioneer Black filmmaker. Not much is known about her but she was a talent to say the least and anyone who sees her wants to know more. Katherine Moore appeared in independently produced black cast films or as they use to be called "race films." These films were quite popular in the black community. Her performance in these films was wonderful. Katherine proved to be a natural actress able to adapt to any role whether it be drama or comedy. She was an extremely talented woman and had she went to Hollywood, she could have really been a star. Her best role was in Juke Joint from 1947, about a wild child who always disobeys her mother, tries to run away to Chicago but the mother catches her and give her a spanking she never forgets - that is one of the most memorable scenes. Her natural comedic charm shines through, you won't stop laughing. But Hollywood or not, she was a fine actress, and she did get to show her talent on the screen.2 credits, '46-'47
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Pretty Tomiwitta Moore, who shortened her name to Tommie Moore was the bright, sweet, girl next door ingénue of Black Cinema. She was small in size but had a big presence on screen. To look at her in her early films, Tommie, looked like a young teenage girl but she was really an adult woman in her early twenties but her petite size and babyface looks could fool you and her looks often worked in her favor because she could play a teenage girl, a little sister or a little, vivacious woman. Tommie Moore was a fine actress who had personality, charm, and vitality, she displayed these qualities in the best of the Black Cinema films. In films "Gangsters on the Loose," "Broken Strings," and "Mystery In Swing," Tommie never disappointed. In these films, Tommie dominated every scene she was is. She wasn't just someone picked up off the street, she was obviously a trained actress because she showed such grace and professionalism in her roles and performances. She crossed over and into Hollywood films and gave excellent, memorable performances in "Something of Value" which starred Rock Hudson, "Band of Angels" starring Clark Gable and "The Green-Eyed Blonde" and also in TV she appeared in "The Amos 'n Andy Show" and "Bourbon Street Beat."
In the mid-1940s, Moore was also one of the stars in the hit Broadway show "Beggar's Holiday" that had a long successful run. She's one of many unsung talented actresses who deserves much recognition. Most importantly she wasn't just a black actress but an actress able to play anyone from all walks of life. She contributed hugely to American Cinema and particularly Black Cinema, by opening the doors for Black actors and actresses, proving that they could be successful on their own, create their own images, and be able to be talented without any labels or stereotypes. Tommie Moore was certainly a delight, she was a black actress who displayed a rare image that hasn't been seen much, her warmth, charisma, sweet nature and genuine qualities within herself and what she contributed to her acting makes her an unforgettable talent. proving good things do come in small packages.13 acting credits.
1917-2004, 86.- Marcella Moreland was born on 5 April 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She was an actress, known for Am I Guilty? (1940) and Mokey (1942). She died on 3 March 2019 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA.3 credits, '40-'42
- Dorothy Morrison was born on 3 January 1919 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She was an actress, known for Hearts in Dixie (1929), Sleepless Hollow (1936) and The Champeen (1923). She died on 18 October 2017 in the USA.6 credits, '23-'36.
1919, -- - Edna Morton was born on 2 April 1894 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA. She was an actress, known for Spitfire (1922), Easy Money (1922) and A Son of Satan (1924). She was married to Edward R. DeGrant and Samuel A. Wilson. She died on 31 July 1980 in Brooklyn, New York, USA.11 credits, '21-'25
1894-1980, 86 - Actress
- Soundtrack
In addition to her vocal dubbing and on-screen film credits, Etta Moten played the role of Bess in the 1943 revival of "Porgy and Bess" at the personal request of Ira Gershwin (not George, who had died in 1937). Etta and husband Claude Barnett, founder of the Negro Associated Press, served as US representatives to the independence celebrations of Ghana and several other African countries. Also a radio journalist, Etta interviewed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after the ceremonies in Ghana on March 6, 1957, and conducted her own radio show for WMAQ/NBC in Chicago for many years.7 credits
1901-2004, 102.- Inez Newell is known for Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A. (1946) and Juke Joint (1947).2 credits, '46, '47
- Catherine Noisette was one of Oscar Micheaux's beautiful and most glamorous actress. She was one of Oscar Micheaux's leading ladies in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Catherine starred in "Wages of Sin," "The Daughter of Congo," and "The Exile." She usually played the femme fatale, the vamp, the snooty gossip queen. She always added wit and charm to her characters, she never overdid her roles, she was always classy, savvy, and alluring on screen. She was the most enjoyable even in minor roles, (sometime the most interesting of all the cast) even if her role was small she always made it into something memorable.
Catherine Noisette always received favorable reviews for her performances. She had all the makings of an actress. She could have became a more popular actress but the problems in her personal life stagnated her acting career. She led a reckless, tragic life, that always got her on the front page news even way after her movie career ended. In 1935 at the age of 29, she passed away from complications of mental illness and tuberculosis. She was married to a Noisette at the time of her movie career and at the time of her death she was married to another man.5 credits, '28-'32 - Actress
- Soundtrack
Alberta Perkins was born in 1898 in Tennessee, USA. She was an actress, known for Sunday Sinners (1940), Murder on Lenox Avenue (1941) and Drums o' Voodoo (1934). She was married to Buddy Johnson. She died on 2 October 1951 in Queens, New York City, New York, USA.3 credits, '34-'41- Actress
- Soundtrack
Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, pioneering black actress Evelyn Preer was educated in Chicago, where she and her mother moved after the death of her father. She entered show business vis vaudeville and the "chitlin' circuit" of minstrel shows that served the country's strictly segregated black communities at the turn of the century. She also appeared on Broadway, and in 1919 made her film debut in The Homesteader (1919), which was also the first film for pioneering black filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. She made nine more films with Micheaux, and in 1920 she joined another pioneering black actress, Anita Bush, in Bush's Lafayette Players theatrical troupe. One of the actors in the troupe was Edward Thompson, and he and Preer married four years later. In addition to the Lafayette Players, Preer played the lead in a Broadway production of "Salome" and starred in productions by famed Broadway impresario David Belasco, among others. She was an accomplished singer and made records on which she was backed by such musical icons as Duke Ellington. She appeared in a few comedy shorts for producer Al Christie and made her feature sound debut in a low-budget independent musical, Georgia Rose (1930).
Her career was tragically cut short in 1932 when she died of double pneumonia due to post-partum complications after the birth of her daughter, Edeve.1896-1932, 36.- Madame Robinson was born in 1879 in Virginia, USA. She was an actress, known for Body and Soul (1925), A Daughter of the Congo (1930) and Thirty Years Later (1928). She was married to Walter Cornick. She died on 24 April 1939 in New York City, New York, USA.3 credits, '25-'30
- Carmencita Romero was born on 2 January 1914 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She was an actress, known for The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964) and Great Performances: Dance in America (1976). She died on 6 May 2001 in New York City, New York, USA.3 credits, '43, '54,'65.
Choreographer, taught dance, performing in her 80s.
1914-2001, 87 - Alma Sewell was born in July 1893 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. She was an actress, known for The Conjure Woman (1926), The House Behind the Cedars (1927) and The Dungeon (1922). She was married to James Harvey Sewell. She died on 30 May 1977 in Roanoke, Virginia, USA.3 credits, '22-'27
- Additional Crew
Maude Simmons is known for Widow's Kiss (1996).3 credits, '47-'50
1893-1977, 83- Grace Smith is known for The Girl from Chicago (1932), The Millionaire (1927) and The Spider's Web (1927).3 credits, '27-'32
- Vivian Smith is known for Hearts in Dixie (1929) and Thin Ice (1981).2 credits, '29,'81
- Gertrude Snelson is known for A Daughter of the Congo (1930), Wages of Sin (1929) and Thirty Years Later (1928).5 credits, '27-'30
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Little is known about Theresa "Tressie" Souders, who in 1922, became the first known African-American female director, when the Afro-American Film Exhibitors Company of Baltimore and Dallas, Texas, contracted with her to distribute her film "A Woman's Error." Billboard Magazine for January 28, 1922 (34:107) published the company's announcement that "'A Woman's Error' was the first of its kind to be produced by a young woman of our race, and has been passed on by the critics as a picture true to Negro life." It appears that Ms. Souders left Kansas City, Missouri for Los Angeles; the 1930 census finds her (as "Tressa" Souders) living at the Sojourner Truth Industrial Home at 1119 East Adams Avenue; her occupation was "Servant, Private Home." She may have gone to Los Angeles as an attempt to get into the motion picture business; however, as far as it is known, she spent most of the rest of her life as a domestic worker. Voting records have her at the East Adams address until 1935, when she married Oscar Carnelus West, a native of Richmond, Va., who ran a pool hall in the Watts section of the city of Los Angeles. There were no children of the marriage, which was short-lived. By 1940, Tressa West was in San Francisco, where she would stay the rest of her life, other than periodic visits south to Los Angeles. She died in San Francisco in her ninety-fifth year, and is buried in Frankfort Cemetery in Marshall County, Kansas.1897 - 1995, (97).
credits, 1922.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Zerita Steptean was born in 1908 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. She is an actress, known for Moon Over Harlem (1939) and Mr. Washington Goes to Town (1941). She was previously married to Lewis Matthew Mitchell Jr..2 credits, '39-'40- Susie Sutton was an actress, known for The Brute (1920) and The Midnight Ace (1928). She was married to Tom Brown. She died on 2 February 1956 in New York City, New York, USA.2 credits, '20,'28
- Blanche Thompson was born on 17 February 1897 in Calhoun County, Texas, USA. She was an actress, known for The Vagabond King (1930), A Son of Satan (1924) and As the World Rolls On (1921). She was married to Pierre-Adolphe Jaureguiberry, Irvin C. Miller and J. Homer Tutt. She died on 5 May 1987 in Port Lavaca, Texas, USA.4 credits, '21-'24
1897-1987, 90 - Royce Wallace was born on 9 May 1925 in Pleasanton, Nebraska, USA. She was an actress, known for Immediate Family (1989), ABC Afterschool Specials (1972) and Crossroads (1986). She died on 24 November 1992 in Ventura, California, USA.1925-1992. (67).
63 credits, 1959-1993. - Mary Jane Watkins was born on 27 September 1902 in Columbia, Tennessee, USA. She was an actress, known for Deceit (1923) and The Black King (1932). She died on 11 January 1977 in Detroit, Michigan, USA.2 credits, '23,'32
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Izenetta Tears was born in Austin, Texas, the daughter of a funeral director and a schoolteacher; she was named for her paternal grandmother. A 1936 graduate of Wiley College, she pursued further study in New York City at Juilliard, and also briefly taught school in Austin before marrying Eddie Wilcox, saxophonist in the Jimmy Lunceford Band. After her divorce, she was a featured performer in nightclubs and other venues in and around the metropolitan New York City area. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Austin, near her parents and other family members.1 acting credit
1 soundtrack credit.- Actress
- Soundtrack
In British films of the 1930s and 1940s, American-born singer Elisabeth Welch made several memorable guest appearances in cabaret sequences, and starred opposite Paul Robeson in two features. Sophisticated, glamorous and charming, her appearances were a refreshing departure from the stereotype of black women perpetuated by Hollywood films of that time. One of her best screen roles was Beulah, the nightclub owner and hostess, in Ealing's Dead of Night (1945). After a long and distinguished career in West End musical theater, Elisabeth returned to the screen in 1979, making a memorable appearance as "A Goddess" in Derek Jarman's The Tempest (1979), singing her theme song, "Stormy Weather".24 credits, '34-'79
soundtrack, 9 credits.
1904-2003, 99- Director
- Producer
Maria P. Williams was a Kansas City schoolteacher who entered the political arena in the 1890s as a lecturer who traveled through the state of Kansas giving speeches for political candidates and delivering lectures on the "topics of the day." From 1891 to 1894, she was editor-in-chief of a weekly newspaper in Kansas City, Kansas called, the "New Era." From 1896 to 1900 or so, she edited and published a newspaper, the "Women's Voice," sponsored by the "colored women's auxiliary" of the Republican party; the paper was described as having "many pleasant things to say on a choice of timely topics." After permanently settling in Kansas City, Missouri, she involved herself in a number of civic activities. In 1916, she published a short pamphlet describing her life and discussing her political and social views entitled "My Work and Public Sentiment." In 1923, Williams wrote, produced, and acted in the five reel crime drama, "The Flames of Wrath," and to distribute the picture, she formed the Western Film Producing Company and Booking Exchange owned by her and husband, Jesse L. Williams, who owned a number of businesses in and around Kansas City. Mr. Williams died later that year and Maria soon remarried. She appears to have involved herself in other endeavors, which may have led to her untimely end. In January of 1932, she was called away from her home by a stranger who requested help for his sick brother. She was found shot to death on the side of a road several miles from her home. The murder remains unsolved.- Mattie Wilkes was born on 14 February 1875 in Montclair, New Jersey, USA. She was an actress, known for The Symbol of the Unconquered (1920), The Gunsaulus Mystery (1921) and For His Mother's Sake (1922). She was married to Ernest Hogan. She died on 9 July 1927 in Montclair, New Jersey, USA.3 credits, '20-'22
1885-1927, 42 - Beatrice Winde was born on 5 January 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She was an actress, known for The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974), Lone Star (1996) and Sparkle (1976). She was married to Raymond Ward Stough Jr.. She died on 3 January 2004 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.1924-2004. (79).
34 credits, 1974-2001. - Statuesque beauty Artie Young was one of the premier dancers of her day. From the late 1930's to the 1950's, no show was complete without Artie's beauty and divine dancing.
Artie was a popular nightclub and stage dancer in California. She was a dancer in Duke Ellington's revue "Jump For Joy" (1941), where she received rave reviews for her jungle dance. She appeared in Hollywood films only as a dancer. In "Carolina Blues," "Stormy Weather," "Broadway Rhythm" and "Skirts Ahoy," her beauty and graceful moves were a great addition to the musical numbers.
In Stormy Weather (1943) in the scene "I Can't Give You Anything But Love,", she was memorable as one of the beautiful front dancers. A publicity photo that has been reprinted in many film history books, from that scene features her with Lena Horne and Bill Robinson.
Artie is probably most memorable for being cast as the girlfriend of two 1939 westerns starring Herb Jeffries, namely The Bronze Buckaroo (1939) and Harlem Rides the Range (1939).9 credits, '38-'52