Acting

Dorothy Dandridge

Acting · Born 1922-11-09 · Cleveland, Ohio, USA

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.

Credits · 42

Film
The Harlem Renaissance
2004 · Self (archive footage)
Film
Dorothy Dandridge: An American Beauty
2003 · Self (archive footage)
Film
It's Black Entertainment
2002 · Self (archive footage)
Film
Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies
2001 · Self (archive footage)
Cain's Hundred
1961 · Norma Sherman
Film
The Murder Men
1961 · Norma Sherman
Film
Moment of Danger
1960 · Gianna
Film
Porgy and Bess
1959 · Bess
Film
The Decks Ran Red
1958 · Mahia
Film
Tamango
1958 · Aiché, Reiker's mistress
Film
Island in the Sun
1957 · Margot Seaton
Film
Carmen Jones
1954 · Carmen Jones
Film
Remains to Be Seen
1953 · Dorothy Dandridge
Film
Bright Road
1953 · Jane Richards
The Oscars
1953 · Self
Film
The Harlem Globetrotters
1951 · Ann Carpenter
Film
Tarzan's Peril
1951 · Melmendi, Queen of the Ashuba
The Colgate Comedy Hour
1950 · Self
The Ed Sullivan Show
1948 · Self
Film
Pillow to Post
1945 · Herself - Vocalist (uncredited)
Film
Atlantic City
1944 · Singer
Film
Since You Went Away
1944 · Black Officer's Wife in Train Station (uncredited)
Film
Hit Parade of 1943
1943 · Count Basie Band Singer
Film
Happy Go Lucky
1943 · Showgirl (uncredited)
Film
Lucky Jordan
1942 · Hollyhock School Maid
Film
Orchestra Wives
1942 · Singer/Dancer
Film
Drums of the Congo
1942 · Princess Malimi
Film
Night in New Orleans
1942 · Sal, Shadrach's Girl (uncredited)
Film
Bahama Passage
1941 · Thalia
Film
Ride 'Em Cowboy
1941 · Dancer (uncredited)
Film
Sundown
1941 · Kipsang's Wife
Film
Sun Valley Serenade
1941 · Specialty Act
Film
Lady from Louisiana
1941 · Felice
Film
Four Shall Die
1940 · Helen Fielding
International Revels
Film
International Revels
1940 · Self
Film
Irene
1940 · One of the Dandridge Sisters (uncredited)
Film
Going Places
1938 · Member of The Dandridge Sisters
Film
Snow Gets in Your Eyes
1938 · One of the Dandridge Sisters (uncredited)
Film
It Can't Last Forever
1937 · Dandridge Sisters Act (uncredited)
Film
A Day at the Races
1937 · Singer (uncredited)
Film
Teacher's Beau
1935 · Student
Film
Ebony Parade
(archive footage)
Dorothy Dandridge · MediaMark