
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 Ed Sullivan Show
Self

The Oscars
Self

The Colgate Comedy Hour
Self

Cain's Hundred
Norma Sherman

A Day at the Races
Singer (uncredited)

Carmen Jones
Carmen Jones

Paper Doll
Self

Jungle Jig
1941

Since You Went Away
Black Officer's Wife in Train Station (uncredited)

It's Black Entertainment
Self (archive footage)
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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