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Dorothy Dandridge

Birth Name:
Dorothy Jean Dandridge
Birth Place:
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Profession
Actress, Soundtrack
Dorothy Dandridge
  • The first African American to be nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards
  • A statue of her forms part of the Four Ladies of Hollywood gazebo built to honor multi-ethnic leading ladies of cinema
  • Was nominated for a BAFTA Film Award for Best Foreign Actress in 1956 for her leading role in "Carmen Jones․"
  • Early in her career, she gained fame as a nightclub solo artist, best known for her renditions of "Blow Out the Candle," "You Do Something To Me" and "Talk Sweet Talk To Me․"
  • Her mother created a song-and-dance routine for her and her sister, and they toured the Southern United States as The Wonder Children for five years, before being renamed the Dandridge Sisters in 1934
  • Her performance as femme fatale title character in "Carmen Jones" earned her recognition and further work in the film industry
  • When she signed a three-picture deal at 20th Century Fox, she negotiated a salary that matched Ava Gardner's
  • Is the most prominent figure of a mural of celebrities painted on the exterior wall of Hollywood High School
  • A song called "Dorothy Dandridge Eyes" is included on Janelle Monáe's album "The Electric Lady․"
  • Was the first black woman to appear on the cover of "Life" magazine
  • 1955Oscar - Best Actress in a Leading Role:Nominated
  • 1956BAFTA Film Award - Best Foreign Actress:Nominated
  • 1960Golden Globe - Best Actress - Comedy or Musical:Nominated
  • 1960Golden Laurel - Top Female Musical Performance:Nominated
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