Hattie McDaniel

Date of Birth: June 10, 1893

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: October 26, 1952

Biography

Hattie McDaniel was an iconic American actress, singer-songwriter, and comedian, best known for her role as “Mammy” in the 1939 film “Gone with the Wind,” for which she became the first African American to win an Academy Award. Born on June 10, 1893, in Wichita, Kansas, McDaniel was the youngest of 13 children. Her parents were formerly enslaved individuals, and her father was a Civil War veteran. The family moved to Colorado when she was young, where she began her career performing in minstrel shows. In the early 1930s, McDaniel moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film. Despite facing considerable racial prejudice, she managed to secure roles in a number of films, often typecast as a maid or servant. Her talent and charisma shone through in these roles, leading to her breakthrough performance in “Gone with the Wind.” After her historic Academy Award win, McDaniel continued to work in Hollywood, though she faced ongoing racial barriers. She was also a pioneering figure in radio and television, becoming the first African American woman to sing on the radio in the United States. McDaniel was an active supporter of the civil rights movement, using her platform to advocate for better opportunities for African Americans in the entertainment industry. She passed away on October 26, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, but her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and entertainers.

5 Interesting Facts about Hattie McDaniel

1. Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Academy Award.

2. She was also the first African American woman to sing on the radio in the United States.

3. McDaniel has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for her contributions to radio and one for her contributions to motion pictures.

4. She faced significant racial discrimination, including being banned from the “Gone with the Wind” premiere in Atlanta due to segregation laws.

5. During World War II, McDaniel organized entertainment for black troops and promoted war bonds.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hattie McDaniel

1. “I’d rather play a maid than be one.”

2. “I did my best, and God did the rest.”

3. “Faith is the black person’s federal reserve system.”

4. “I am proud of my role in ‘Gone with the Wind’ because it was a role that earned me the respect and admiration of the American public.”

5. “You can best fight any existing evil from the inside.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Hattie McDaniel’s net worth was estimated to be around $10,000. Adjusted for inflation, this would be approximately $100,000 in today’s money.