Talented Generation Salutes...

Dorothy Dandridge

Dororthy Dandridge was an American Actress and singer who became the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. At a time when work for black actresses was scarce, Dandridge landed the leading role of Carmen in an all black production of Carmen Jones. Carmen Jones earned Dandridge a place in history. She would be nominated in February of 1955 along with Audrey Hepburn, Jane Wyman, Judy Garland and Grace Kelly(the surprise winner). Although Dandridge was not awarded the industry's top honor, she paved the way for Halle Berry (see Thursday's salute) to win 50 years later. In 1999 Berry delivered a riveting portrayal as Dandridge in the film "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge."

Watch the videos below to hear Ms. Dandridge work her magic.









Some of Dorothy Dandridge's film and TV show credits:

• A Day at the Races (1937)
• Carmen Jones (1954)
• Going Places (1938)
• Since You Went Away (1944)
• Remains to Be Seen (1953)
• The Ed Sullivan Show (1948)

For her contributions to the motion picture industry, Dorothy Dandridge has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6719 Hollywood Boulevard. Although both her life and career ended tragically, Dandridge paved the way for more black actresses to obtain meaningful work.

Ms. Dandrige encourages us to look past skin colors because prejudice takes away more than it gives. It is my hope that as Young Professions we no longer need such words to be spoken.