Description
Hattie McDaniel was an African American actress and singer who made history when she became the first black actor to win an Academy Award. She was born in 1895 in Wichita, Kansas and had seven siblings. McDaniel made her acting debut in 1929 in a small, uncredited role in the film “In Old Arizona”. She went on to appear in over 300 films, typically playing a maid or other domestic character.
In 1939, McDaniel was cast in the role of Mammy in the film “Gone With the Wind”, becoming the first African-American actor to win an Oscar. Her performance earned her both an Oscar and a Golden Globe, making her the first African-American to win either award.
McDaniel was also a talented singer and was the first African-American to perform on the radio. She made numerous recordings for the Victor label and performed at numerous clubs and casinos in the Los Angeles area.
McDaniel was an advocate for civil rights throughout her career and was very vocal in her support for the NAACP. She was also an active member of the Hollywood NAACP and helped to organize several benefits for the organization.
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