Rosetta LeNoire Biography

Fast Facts

• Awarded the first award for the diversification of theatre casting by the Actors' Equity Association and the award would later be named after her
• Was honored with the National Medal of the Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1999 for her contributions to the performing arts industry
• Made her performing debut in the 1939 production of "The Hot Mikado," which starred her godfather Bill
• Made her screen acting debut in the TV series "Studio One in Hollywood" in 1957
• Became a chorus girl with the Time Steppers, led by her mentor and godfather Bill Robinson, at the age of 15
• Quote: "(On musical production): "I produce musicals․ Music is one avenue where no one seems to have any discriminatory attitudes․ Theatre techniques are a marvelous implement to bring people of all races, colors and creeds together․""
• Best known for her role as Estelle Winslow in "Family Matters" and as Leona Herbert in "Guiding Light․"
• Used her own money to found the AMAS Repertory Theatre Company to promote multi-ethnic productions in New York City
• Was helped by her godfather, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, to overcome her battle with rickets by learning how to dance