Dorothy Dandridge is known for being the first African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Actress category. However, her role in classic Hollywood is much more significant than that.

Breaking Down Barriers

During the 1950s many black women could not find success in Hollywood, they normally played the supporting roles and mammies. But in 1954, Dandridge was cast as the sensuous Carmen Jones alongside the popular Harry Belafonte. Dandridge was praised for her beauty and it is important to note that like other famous black actresses at the time like Lena Horne, Dandridge had whiter features: her hair, face, and her light skin. The film was a remake of the Bizet’s opera Carmen with an all black cast. She also starred in Porgy and Bess (1959) and Island in the Sun (1957).

Restrictions as a Black Actress

Although Dandridge had much success to these films according to Biography.com, she still had problems finding roles because of her race. Although her other costars such as Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte were able to find success it was even harder being a black woman. Dandridge once said, “If I were Betty Grable, I could capture the world.”

She also had a secret relationship with the director of Carmen Jones, a white man. Although she tried to keep it a secret it was well known to the public and interracial dating was frowned upon. Again, her costars Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte both married white women which was still frowned upon, but it was more acceptable during the time for a black man to be with a white woman than a black woman to be with a white man. When reporters asked Dandridge’s mother about her dating white men she was very honest stating that because of her status, money and where she was she felt it was best to date white men and her costars Belafonte and Poitier were already married so she could not pursue a relationship with them.

The Beginning of The End

Towards the end of her career Dandridge started getting fewer roles so she married Jack Denison with the hopes for a domestic life. The abusive relationship ended after two years where Denison was known as having a short temper and using up much of Dandridge’s money. After the marriage Dandridge became depressed and started a drinking problem. Her financial situation started to get worse and worse so she had to file for bankruptcy. On September 8th 1965 Dorothy Dandridge was found dead on a drug overdose of antidepressants. It is still unknown whether her death was an accident or suicide.

 

The Legacy

Dorothy Dandridge was a fantastic actress who broke down barriers, but still battled sexism and inner demons. She won crucial roles that have paved the way for other black actresses today so that they might not have to play the roles that hollywood assigned for them, and they could win sensual, multi-dimensional roles that showcased their talent and who they are. Even though there is a ways to go in the world of black actresses today, she was someone who continues to inspire and influence women today.