Dorothy Jean Dandridge was born in Cleveland Ohio’s City Hospital on November 9, 1922. Her mother, Ruby Dandridge, was an aspiring actress who had another daughter named Vivian. She walked out on her husband, Cyrus, determined to make it on her own. She took on the task of raising her two girls by herself, moving into an apartment and doing whatever work she could find. She usually cleaned houses, but also sang and recited poetry for local theater groups and churches. A friend named Geneva soon moved in with them and this new woman was instrumental in teaching the Dandridge girls singing, dancing and the piano. Geneva was also their mother’s lover.
The Dandridge sisters, under the tutelege of Ruby and Geneva, became “The Wonder Children” and the fivesome moved to Nashville where they were signed with the National Baptist Convention to tour churches throughout the southern states. Their act was a family affair, with Geneva at the piano, Dorothy and Vivian singing, dancing and reciting and Mama Ruby mostly behind the scenes handling the business affairs of the group. They spent three years on the road but had little time for fun. Education also took a back seat, although both girls were tutored.
Soon friend, Etta Jones, joined the group and they became a singing trio known as “The Dandrige Sisters.” They landed their first big break in the film “The Big Broadcast” in 1936. In the summer of 1938, the girls were booked at the prestigious Cotton Club in New York City. In 1940 Dorothy branched out on her own and was teamed with the Nicholas Brothers in “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” On September 6, 1942, she and Harold Nicholas were married.
They had one child, a daughter named Harolyn, who was born with disabilities in 1943. Dorothy was unhappy with her husband who was known for his roving eye and the marriage broke up in 1949. She was devastated by her daughter’s malady, which was diagnosed as mental retardation.
Dorothy had a very successful nightclub act, which in May of 1951 led to numerous television appearances. She was the first black woman to perform at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. In 1954 she landed the part that made her a star in Otto Preminger’s “Carmen Jones.” This film also marked the beginning of a long and troubled affair with Preminger himself.
In June of 1959 Dorothy married white restaurant owner, Jack Denison, who by all accounts, was a gold digger after her money. He abused her and about this time she began to drink heavily.
She died on September 8, 1965, from an overdose of barbiturates, which may or may not have been accidental. She was only 43 years old.
What are some of YOUR favorite Dorothy Dandridge films? Please share.