Dorothy Dandridge
Actor
Biography
Dorothy Jean Dandridge (November 9, 1922 – September 8, 1965) was an American actress and singer. She was the first African-American film star to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, which was for her performance in Carmen Jones (1954). Dandridge also performed as a vocalist in venues such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. During her early career, she performed as a part of The Wonder Children, later The Dandridge Sisters, and appeared in a succession of films, usually in uncredited roles.
In 1959, Dandridge was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Porgy and Bess. She is the subject of the 1999 biographical film Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, with Halle Berry portraying her. She has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Filmography
Carmen Jones
as Carmen Jones 1954
Since You Went Away
as Black Officer's Wife in Train Station (uncredited) 1944
Sun Valley Serenade
as Specialty Act 1941
Ride 'Em Cowboy
as Dancer (uncredited) 1941
Porgy and Bess
as Bess 1959
Sundown
as Kipsang's Wife 1941
Island in the Sun
as Margot Seaton 1957
Lady from Louisiana
as Felice 1941
The Decks Ran Red
as Mahia 1958
Pillow to Post
as Herself - Vocalist (uncredited) 1945
Orchestra Wives
as Singer/Dancer 1942
Tarzan's Peril
as Melmendi, Queen of the Ashuba 1951
Bright Road
as Jane Richards 1953
Tamango
as Aiché, Reiker's mistress 1958
Irene
as One of the Dandridge Sisters (uncredited) 1940
Going Places
as Member of The Dandridge Sisters 1938