Dorothy Dandridge

Date of Birth: November 9, 1922

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: September 8, 1965

Biography

Dorothy Jean Dandridge was an iconic American actress, singer, and dancer, known for breaking racial barriers in Hollywood during the 1950s. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she was introduced to show business by her mother, Ruby Dandridge, who was an aspiring entertainer. Dorothy’s early career began with her sister Vivian as part of the singing duo “The Dandridge Sisters.” They performed at the Cotton Club and Apollo Theater in Harlem, gaining significant attention. Dandridge’s big break in Hollywood came with her role in “Carmen Jones” (1954), for which she became the first African-American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She continued to challenge racial stereotypes and limitations, starring in other films such as “Island in the Sun” (1957) and “Porgy and Bess” (1959). Despite her professional success, Dandridge faced personal and financial difficulties. She struggled with relationships and the pressures of being a trailblazer in a racially segregated industry. Tragically, her life was cut short at the age of 42 due to an accidental overdose.

5 Interesting Facts about Dorothy Dandridge

1. Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American woman to be featured on the cover of Life magazine.

2. She performed as a solo singer at the Cotton Club in Harlem, one of the most famous nightclubs of the era.

3. Dandridge’s portrayal of Carmen in “Carmen Jones” made her the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

4. She was romantically linked with several high-profile men of her time, including director Otto Preminger.

5. She faced significant financial difficulties later in life, including losing most of her earnings in bad investments and legal battles.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dorothy Dandridge

1. “If I were white, I could capture the world.”

2. “You don’t need a man to complete you. You need the right man to complement you.”

3. “I can’t change the way I feel. I can only change the way I act.”

4. “What we want is to be able to work in any kind of job, without discrimination.”

5. “I just want to be able to do what I want to do, without having to worry about being black.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At her peak, Dorothy Dandridge’s net worth was estimated to be around $250,000, which would be equivalent to over $2 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Dorothy Dandridge had one child, Harolyn Suzanne Nicholas, born on September 2, 1943. Harolyn was born with brain damage, which left her with significant developmental disabilities. Dorothy faced many challenges in caring for her daughter, and Harolyn spent much of her life in specialized care facilities.