Advertisement

Hattie McDaniel

Birth Name:
Hattie McDaniel
Birth Place:
Wichita, Kansas, United States
Profession
Actress, Soundtrack
Hattie McDaniel
  • Became the first African-American to win an Academy Award when she won Best Supporting Actress in 1940 for her role as Mammy in "Gone with the Wind․"
  • Became the first African-American woman to sing on the radio in the U․S․ when she was invited to perform on Denver's KOA radio station in 1925
  • Entertained American troops during World War II and promoted the sale of war bonds
  • Was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1975
  • Began performing in minstrel shows while she was still in high school and later left school in 1910 to train full-time with her father's minstrel troupe
  • Joined Professor George Morrison's orchestra in 1920 and toured the vaudeville circuit for several years
  • Made her screen acting debut in "The Impatient Maiden" in 1932
  • Began acting in the 1930s after two of her siblings convinced her to move to Los Angeles, where they were picking up minor roles
  • Best known for her role as Mammy in "Gone with the Wind" and as Aunt Tempy in "Song of the South․"
  • Got her big break when she sang a duet with Will Rogers in the John Ford film "Judge Priest" in 1934
  • 1940Oscar - Best Actress in a Supporting Role:Winner
  • 1942NBR Award - Best Acting:Winner
Advertisement