Dorothy Dandridge
Known for Acting
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
1954
as Carmen Jones
Irene
1940
as One of the Dandridge Sisters (uncredited)
A Day at the Races
1937
as Singer (uncredited)
Sundown
1941
as Kipsang's Wife
Remains to Be Seen
1953
as Dorothy Dandridge
Since You Went Away
1944
as Black Officer's Wife in Train Station (uncredited)
Tarzan's Peril
1951
as Melmendi, Queen of the Ashuba
It's Black Entertainment
2002
as Self (archive footage)
Island in the Sun
1957
as Margot Seaton
Porgy and Bess
1959
as Bess
Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies
2001
as Self (archive footage)
Happy Go Lucky
1943
as Showgirl (uncredited)
Moment of Danger
1960
as Gianna
Ride 'Em Cowboy
1941
as Dancer (uncredited)
Dorothy Dandridge: An American Beauty
2003
as Self (archive footage)
Blackbird Fantasy
1942
Teacher's Beau
1935
as Student
Lucky Jordan
1942
as Hollyhock School Maid
Going Places
1938
as Member of The Dandridge Sisters
It Can't Last Forever
1937
as Dandridge Sisters Act (uncredited)