
Person
Dorothy Dandridge
Acting · 1922–1965 · Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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.
Known for

The Oscars
Self

The Colgate Comedy Hour
Self

The Ed Sullivan Show
Self

Cain's Hundred
Norma Sherman

Carmen Jones
Carmen Jones

A Day at the Races
Singer (uncredited)

Blackbird Fantasy
1942

Jungle Jig
1941

Swingtime Jamboree
Herself

Since You Went Away
Black Officer's Wife in Train Station (uncredited)
Filmography
- 2005Sarah Vaughan & Other Jazz Divas
- 2004The Harlem RenaissanceSelf (archive footage)
- 2003Dorothy Dandridge: An American BeautySelf (archive footage)
- 2002It's Black EntertainmentSelf (archive footage)
- 2001Goldwyn: The Man and His MoviesSelf (archive footage)
- 1961Cain's HundredNorma Sherman
- 1961The Murder MenNorma Sherman
- 1960Moment of DangerGianna
- 1959Porgy and BessBess
- 1958The Decks Ran RedMahia
- 1958TamangoAiché, Reiker's mistress
- 1957Island in the SunMargot Seaton
- 1954Carmen JonesCarmen Jones
- 1953Remains to Be SeenDorothy Dandridge
- 1953Bright RoadJane Richards
- 1953The OscarsSelf
- 1951The Harlem GlobetrottersAnn Carpenter
- 1951Tarzan's PerilMelmendi, Queen of the Ashuba
- 1950The Colgate Comedy HourSelf
- 1948The Ed Sullivan ShowSelf
- 1946Swingtime JamboreeHerself
- 1945Pillow to PostHerself - Vocalist (uncredited)
- 1944Atlantic CitySinger
- 1944Since You Went AwayBlack Officer's Wife in Train Station (uncredited)
- 1943Hit Parade of 1943Count Basie Band Singer
- 1943Happy Go LuckyShowgirl (uncredited)
- 1943Moo Cow BoogieSinger
- 1942Lucky JordanHollyhock School Maid
- 1942A Zoot Suit with a Reet Pleat
- 1942Orchestra WivesSinger/Dancer
- 1942Blackbird Fantasy
- 1942Drums of the CongoPrincess Malimi
- 1942Night in New OrleansSal, Shadrach's Girl (uncredited)
- 1942Cow-Cow BoogieCowgirl
- 1942Paper DollSelf
- 1941Bahama PassageThalia
- 1941Yes, Indeed!
- 1941Ride 'Em CowboyDancer (uncredited)
- 1941SundownKipsang's Wife
- 1941A Jig in the JungleSelf
- 1941Sun Valley SerenadeSpecialty Act
- 1941Jungle Jig
- 1941Swing for Your SupperVocalist
- 1941Lady from LouisianaFelice
- 1941Easy Street
- 1941Lazybones
- 1940Four Shall DieHelen Fielding
- 1940International RevelsSelf
- 1940IreneOne of the Dandridge Sisters (uncredited)
- 1938Going PlacesMember of The Dandridge Sisters
- 1938Snow Gets in Your EyesOne of the Dandridge Sisters (uncredited)
- 1937It Can't Last ForeverDandridge Sisters Act (uncredited)
- 1937A Day at the RacesSinger (uncredited)
- 1935Teacher's BeauStudent
- —Ebony Parade(archive footage)
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