Dorothy Dandridge was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Carmen Jones, Porgy and Bess, and Island in the Sun. She was a trailblazer in Hollywood, breaking racial barriers during her career.
Personal and Family Life
Dorothy Jean Dandridge was born on November 9, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the daughter of Ruby Dandridge, an entertainer, and Cyril H. Dandridge, a cabinet maker and minister. Dorothy had a sister named Vivian Dandridge, and they often performed together in their mother’s musical acts. Dorothy was married twice, first to Harold Nicholas and later to Jack Denison, and had one daughter named Harolynn.
Career Highlights
Dandridge started her career at a young age, performing in black Baptist churches. She made her film debut in a minor role in the 1937 Marx Brothers movie A Day at the Races. Throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, she starred in numerous musical films and stage productions, gaining popularity for her singing and acting. Her most significant breakthrough came in the 1954 film Carmen Jones, which earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Death and Legacy
Dorothy Dandridge passed away on September 8, 1965, due to an accidental overdose of barbiturates at the age of 42. She was found in her apartment with only $2.14 in her bank account and left behind a poignant letter. Despite her struggles in life, she was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983, cementing her legacy as an icon in American cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Porgy and Bess | 1959-06-24 | Bess |
| Island in the Sun | 1957-06-12 | Margot Seaton |
| Carmen Jones | 1954-10-28 | Carmen Jones |
| Bright Road | 1953-04-17 | Jane Richards |
| Tamango | 1958-01-24 | Aiché, Reiker’s mistress |
| The Murder Men | 1961-01-01 | Norma Sherman |
| A Day at the Races | 1937-06-11 | Singer (uncredited) |
| Drums of the Congo | 1942-07-17 | Princess Malimi |
| Cow-Cow Boogie | 1942-03-27 |