Old Hollywood Excellence: A Celebration of Classic Black Movie Stars
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As Hollywood begins its annual season of self congratulations, it’s time to look back on the stars of the past. Movie fans often romanticize old Hollywood, but they forget to celebrate the Black legends who not only shined on screen, but did so while fighting racism and discrimination. Many of them took the difficult roles of maids, porters and janitors just so they could have a chance to showcase their talents. As the 2024 awards season gets into full swing, let’s celebrate the Black stars who paved the way.
Lena Horne
Lena Horne had a real regal quality that made every role she played important. No matter what she was doing, you knew it was going to be unforgettable. You’ve never in your life seen a bad Lena Horne performance.
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It wasn’t just that Harry Belafonte was an extraordinary actor, he used his roles to uplift the Black community. Throughout his career he made sure his characters had a positive impact.
Sidney Poitier
Honestly, what’s left to say about the excellence of Sidney Poitier that we haven’t already discussed? From “Lillies in the Field,” to “Duel at Diablo,” to “To Sir With Love,” to “The Defiant Ones,” there’s a dignity in his roles that only he could portray.
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee have incredible careers separate from one another, but they’re also beautifully linked as the king and queen of Black Hollywood.
Hattie McDaniel
Like a lot of Black actors in the ‘30s and ‘40s, Hattie McDaniel’s only opportunity to be in films meant playing maids and servants. It wasn’t until after her death that she recognition for her work and the racism she endured to create lasting opportunities for the next generation. Being the first Black Oscar winner is something we praise and honor, but we also know it couldn’t have been easy for her to be “the first.”
Louise Beavers
Louise Beavers is another actress who doesn’t get enough credit for the legacy of her work because she was forced to play maids and domestic servants. However, her performances in “Reform School” and “Imitation of Life” show that there was a deep dignity in her craft. In modern Hollywood she would be a highly respected character actor.
Sammy Davis Jr.
Put simply, Sammy Davis Jr. is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Singing, acting, dancing, hosting, comedy, there was nothing he couldn’t do. The other members of the Rat Pack are all legends, but none of them had the pure talent of Sammy.
Diahann Carroll
If you look up the word elegant in the dictionary, there’s a picture of Diahann Carroll. No matter who she’s playing, there’s a class she brings that elevates every project. Her countless appearances on TV variety series and talk shows felt like special events. Her trailblazing series “Julia” is the reason we have shows like “The Jeffersons” and “Abbott Elementary.”
Oscar Micheaux
Oscar Micheaux was a pioneering director of the silent film era. His films eschewed the racist tropes of the time and portrayed Black people as educated and ambitious. They often tackled serious issues surrounding race and class, which was not something that was done back then.
Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker was truly ahead of her time. Everything from her style, to her performance style, to her activism are hallmarks of modern entertainers. When you say “old Hollywood,” Baker is the personification of that statement.
Juanita Moore
Juanita Moore was another amazing actress who was sadly relegated to playing maids, but her talent was so undeniable she often stole scenes from her more famous co-stars. If you’re not familiar with her work, look no further than her heartbreaking turn in 1959’s “Imitation of Life.”
Pearl Bailey
Her distinctive voice made every film and musical she appeared in unforgettable. Pearl Bailey had a charismatic, powerful presence that captivated audiences, and often overshadowed co-stars. She was a force.
Canada Lee
Canada Lee’s career wasn’t long, but it was impactful. In “Cry, the Beloved Country” showed us how essential it is to use film to confront the harsh realities of racism and discrimination.
Nicholas Brothers
With all due respect to Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, who are absolutely brilliant dancers, the Nicholas Brothers are the greatest dancers in film history. Their personality, athleticism and creativity are unmatched. They quite literally defy the laws of physics and gravity.
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