Dorothy dandridge biography daughters of the confederacy

Tools Tools. Download as PDF Printable version. In other projects. Wikimedia Commons Wikidata item. American actress and singer — Cleveland, OhioU. West Hollywood, CaliforniaU. Harold Nicholas. Jack Denison. Vivian Dandridge sister Nayo Wallace grandniece. Early life [ edit ]. Career [ edit ]. Beginnings [ edit ]. Carmen Jones and 20th Century-Fox [ edit ].

Hollywood Research, Inc. Later career [ edit ]. Personal life [ edit ]. Marriages and relationships [ edit ]. Final days and death [ edit ].

Dorothy dandridge biography daughters of the confederacy: Dorothy Jean Dandridge was

Legacy [ edit ]. Discography [ edit ]. As part of the Dandridge Sisters singing group [ edit ]. As a solo artist [ edit ]. Filmography [ edit ]. As an actress [ edit ]. As herself [ edit ]. Stage work [ edit ]. See also [ edit ]. Portal : Biography. References [ edit ].

Dorothy dandridge biography daughters of the confederacy: Dorothy Dandridge was a

Kensington Books. ISBN Encyclopedia of black actresses in film and television. Retrieved January 29, United States: The Generations Network. Retrieved May 2, Chicago Tribune. September 1, The New York Times. ISSN African American Women Confront the West. University of Oklahoma Press. The Pittsburgh Courier. Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh. August 9, Retrieved April 21, — via Newspapers.

Reference Library of Black America. African American Publications, Proteus Enterprises. Finkelman, Paul, New York: Oxford University Press. OCLC May 9, Archived from the original on July 29, Retrieved September 26, Women in History, Ohio. Retrieved September 23, October 10, Hollywood Musicals: Year by Year. Hal Leonard. Georges Bizet: Carmen.

Dorothy Dandridge's career reached its zenith with her performance in the film "Carmen Jones", an adaptation of Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen". In this groundbreaking role, she portrayed the titular character, showcasing her mesmerizing blend of beauty and talent. The film not only cemented her status as a leading actress but also made her the first African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Dandridge's captivating presence on screen, coupled with her sultry singing, resonated with audiences and critics alike, propelling her to international fame. Despite her stunning rise with "Carmen Jones", Dandridge faced significant challenges in replicating that success. Post-"Carmen", she struggled to find substantial roles that showcased her abilities, often relegated to films that perpetuated racial stereotypes.

Nevertheless, her performance in "Carmen Jones" remains a shining testament to her talent and the barriers she broke in an era when African American actresses were largely overlooked in leading roles. Despite her groundbreaking success with "Carmen Jones," Dorothy Dandridge faced an uphill battle in securing meaningful roles in Hollywood following her rise to fame.

As Dandridge navigated the film industry, she found that the opportunities available to her were often limited due to the prevalent racism of the era. Frustrated with the lack of strong roles for African American actresses, she lamented the inequality, stating, "If I were Betty Grable, I could capture the world. Dandridge's personal life mirrored the struggles she experienced in her career.

Her second marriage to Jack Denison was marred by abuse, financial mismanagement, and ultimately led to their split in This tumultuous period prompted Dandridge to turn to heavy drinking and antidepressants as a means of coping with her emotional distress. Financial difficulties exacerbated her situation, as she was forced back into the nightclub circuit to support herself but found herself performing in venues far removed from the glamour she once enjoyed.

Dorothy dandridge biography daughters of the confederacy: She rose to prominence in the

ByDandridge's burdens grew heavier when she could no longer afford her daughter's specialized medical care, culminating in a nervous breakdown that further isolated her from the world. In SeptemberDandridge married dancer Harold Nicholas, who became the father of her daughter born in with a brain disorder. Their marriage lasted until their divorce in Dorothy's greatest popularity came inafter she played Carmen in the film "Carmen Jones.

Her subsequent successful roles included Margo Channing in the film "Island in the Sun" and Bess in "Porgy and Bess"for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe. InDandridge married Jack Denison, but due to frequent arguments and financial problems, they divorced in She had to sell her home in Hollywood to provide for her daughter's psychiatric care and buy herself a small apartment in West Hollywood.

Due to lack of work, she suffered from nervous disorders, but she eventually managed to return to the stage as a singer with the help of her new agent, Earl Mills. Although she lost out to Grace Kelly The Country GirlDandridge seemed well on her way to achieving the level of fame and superstardom enjoyed by white contemporaries like Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner.

However, in the years that followed her success with Carmen JonesDandridge had trouble finding film roles that suited her talents. She wanted strong leading roles but found her opportunities limited because of her race. With Hollywood filmmakers unable to create a suitable role for the light-skinned Dandridge, they soon reverted to subtly prejudiced visions of interracial romance.

She appeared in several poorly received racially and sexually charged dramas, including Island in the Sunalso starring Belafonte and Joan Fontaine, and Tamangoin which she plays the mistress of the captain of an enslaved ship.

Dorothy dandridge biography daughters of the confederacy: Dorothy Dandridge: A Biography. New

Among the missed opportunities from this period, Dandridge turned down the supporting role of Tuptim in The King and Ibecause she refused to play an enslaved person. It was rumored that she would play Billie Holliday in a film version of the jazz singer's autobiography, Lady Sings the Bluesbut it never panned out. Dandridge did appear in one more role worthy of her talents, opposite Sidney Poitier in the Academy Award-winning Porgy and Bess While making Carmen JonesDandridge became involved in an affair with the film's director, Otto Preminger, who also directed Porgy and Bess.

Their interracial romance, as well as Dandridge's relationships with other white lovers, was frowned upon, particularly by other African American members of the Hollywood filmmaking community. On the rebound, Dandridge married her second husband, Jack Denison, inthough that proved to be another troubled relationship. Denison was abusive and mishandled her money, with Dandridge losing much of her savings to an investment in her husband's failed restaurant.

They split in As her film career and marriage floundered, Dandridge began drinking heavily and taking antidepressants.