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Dorothy dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge

Actor

1922 - 1965
Photograph of Dorothy Dandridge

Profession

ActorDancerSinger

Hometown

Cleveland, OH

Overview

Dorothy Dandridge first started appearing in films as a teenager in the 1930s as part of a singing act with her sister, Vivian. Her charming screen presence led to a steady solo career, Dandridge performing in soundies and low-budget films like The Harlem Globetrotters (1951) and Bright Road  (1953). After a much-publicized talent search, Dandridge was cast as the fiery, vivacious Carmen Jones in the film of the same name.  Her star turn was a huge success, making Dandridge the first Black woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Select Filmography

Year
Name
Credits
Genre
1938
Nicholas Brothers Home Movies
Documentary Subject
Home Movie
NameNicholas Brothers Home Movies
Year1938CreditsDocumentary SubjectGenreHome Movie
1942
Cow-Cow Boogie
Actor
Musical Short
NameCow-Cow Boogie
Year1942CreditsActorGenreMusical Short
1954
Carmen Jones
Actor
Musical
NameCarmen Jones
Year1954CreditsActorGenreMusical

About the Filmography

The selected filmography for the years 1897–1971 includes works featured in the exhibition and others that are considered historically, socially, or politically relevant. Hollywood productions are generally excluded; the focus is instead on independent films, particularly the work of Black filmmakers. Black Academy Award nominees and winners are noted. This filmography was compiled using the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and various filmographies, including those by Klotman, Richards, and Hyatt. Primary production materials and contemporaneous film reviews were also consulted. Complete credits for many of the films are unavailable. All films are US productions unless otherwise noted, and distribution credits refer to the original distributors.

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