#ohpoc

[jeanne-crains]

Francine Everett in Dirty Gertie from Harlem USA (1946)

[jeanne-crains]

Edna Mae Harris in Spirit of Youth (1938)

[jeanne-crains]

Alice B. Russell and Dorothy Van Engle in Murder in Harlem (1935)

[jeanne-crains]

Jet Magazine Feb. 21, 1952 [x]

[jeanne-crains]

[18] Classic Actors → June Richmond

June Richmonds acting career was the by-product of her singing career as most her roles were to showcase her vocal talents. She started singing with well known bands such as Tommy Dorsey’s Orchestra, Cab Calloway, and Andy Kirk before venturing onto a successful career as a soloist. Like many black performers at the time she found more success in Europe including in France, Germany, and Sweden.

You should do yourself a favor and listen to her sing “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” [X]. It will give you chills.

[jeanne-crains]

[17] Classic Actors of Color → Emmett “Babe” Wallace

Babe Wallace had a truly amazing career.

He worked in famous clubs such as The Savoy Ballroom, The Apollo Theater, and The Cotton Club as a singer and dancer.

He acted in numerous race films including the most famous one; Stormy Weather. 

He also acted on Broadway in productions such as Anna Lucasta and Guys and Dolls. 

He took his career worldwide finding success in Israel, Spain, Germany, Holland, England, and France where he became the first black male to star in Les Folies Bergere.

He worked with numerous stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, and Louis Armstrong.

He wrote numerous songs, some of which were recorded by Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, and featured in advertisements.

Besides writing songs he also wrote a novel, essays, and books of poetry.

Someone get this guy a Wikipedia page already.

[jeanne-crains]

[16] Classic Actors of Color → Ida Coffin

Ida Coffin was only in three films and unfortunately two are currently considered lost. Although she played a bit part in her surviving film she still stands out on screen, partially because of her uniquely blonde hair, a rarity in race films. She was the mother to musician Bobby Relf.

[jeanne-crains]

[15] Classic Actors of Color → Florence O'Brien

Florence O’Brien is one of my favorite actors and I think most likely a favorite of anyone else who has seen her films. She had this over energetic, sassy, flirty, bubbley personality. It comes through in every way; the way she moves, the way she talks, the way she dances, and sings. Just watching her will make you happy. In fact while doing research for this that’s one thing I kept seeing; people saying she just makes you happy.

Unfortunate there’s not a lot of info about her available. Except that her great great granddaughter, Cashalà L'Shauntyelle, is also an actress. Florence was apparently a big inspiration and supporter of her career.