Print-Friendly Version |
| "The first African American to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress." |
ARTIST HERO:
DOROTHY DANDRIDGE
by Jasmine from New Haven
Magic Johnson said, "I believe in the power of heroes. What is a hero? There are as many different answers to that question as there are people in the world, and that's a good thing: we need different kinds of role models for different kinds of people. I personally think a hero is a leader who has a positive impact on people. A hero is someone who acts and through those actions changes the world."
The reason why I put this quote in is because I agree with it in so many ways. Dorothy Dandridge was not only just a beautiful actress/singer, she was also a hero. Dorothy was a hero in my eyes because she fought for what she wanted and, no matter what got in the way, she kept moving. Dorothy Jean Dandridge was born November 9, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the daughter of Ruby Dandridge, an aspiring actress. At a young age Dorothy, with her sister Vivian, performed as "The Wonder Children." Dorothy wanted to succeed on her own and in the fall of 1940, she did. She landed a role in a film called Four Shall Die. She then went on to small parts in Lady From Louisiana and Sundown. She teamed with the Nicholas Brothers for a performance of "Chattanooga Choo Choo" in the film Sun Valley Serenade. After a lot of hard work she got a main role in Carmen Jones. But stardom became too much for Dorothy and she died of an overdose on September 8, 1965. Dorothy Dandridge is a hero in my eyes because she stood up for what she believed in. She was one of the first black actresses to have a real main role as anything besides a maid or a caretaker. She also stood up for her rights, like she would not perform or act in a movie if they would not give her equal rights. Dorothy Dandridge has influenced me to fight for what I want, and if there is a will, there is a way. Dorothy taught me that you shouldn't give up and, if you try hard enough, you will see results. She also influenced me to be grateful and look at life differently because at one time things weren't always as they are now, and it's because of people like her we can do the things we do now. In conclusion, Dorothy Dandridge was a hero and will always be a hero in my eyes. She not only opened doors, I doubt that I would have been able to enter without her, she also held her head high while doing it. She once said "If I were white, I could capture the world." If it was this day and time, she truly would have.
|
|
Written by
Jasmine from New Haven
|
|
Dorothy Dandridge Biography |
RECOMMENDED
READING | |
 Everything and Nothing: The Dorothy Dandridge Tragedy by Dorothy Dandridge, Earl Conrad |
 |  |  |  |
| Adam Sandler brings comic-relief to people of all ages | Alvin Ailey was a choreographer and founder of the American Dance Theater. | Angela Brooks is an architect who works to create sustainable and affordable housing. | Ansel Adams was an 'artist-activist' whose photographs of nature inspired conservation. |
 |  |  |  |
| Antonin Dvorák was a Czech composer who influenced other artists. | Artemisia Gentileschi was a female post-Renaissance artist who tackled challenging themes. | Audrey Hepburn was an actress, dancer and notable Ambassador for UNICEF | Bajé Whitethorne is a celebrated Navajo painter and author. |
 |  |  |  |
| Beniamino Bufano created distinctive sculptures addressing the theme of peace. | Bill Cosby injects his comedy with wisdom. | Bob Dylan is a singer/songwriter, poet and artist. | Carol Burnett an award-winning actress and comedienne |
 |  |  |  |
| Charles M. Schulz made people laugh every day. | Charlie Chaplin taught us to laugh in the face of adversity. | Charlie Parker was a great musician and father. | Christopher Reeve continued to produce art despite his paralysis. |
 |  |  |  |
| Claude Oscar Monet is a famous impressionist painter. | Damon K. Wayans brought Matt relief from depression through his comedic talent. | Daniel Libeskind is a revered architect whose work inspires peace. | Dexter Gordon was a musician nominated for an Oscar. |
 |  |  |  |
| Diego Rivera was a famed Mexican muralist and revolutionary. | Dorothea Lange captured powerful moments in history with a keen eye for the human condition. | Edmonia Lewis defied restrictions on black women and achieved respect in the art community. | Errol Flynn is legendary Marvel Comics founder Stan Lee's hero and inspired many of Lee's heroes. |
 |  |  |  |
| Fauzia Minallah is the founder of Funkor Childart Centre and an ARTIVIST. | Fernando Botero is a Colombian painter famous for his robust figures. | Frances Anne Hopkins is a famous Canadian artist known for her canoe paintings. | Frank Lloyd Wright was an innovative architect. |
 |  |  |  |
| Frank Owen Gehry has developed his own unique style of design. | Frank Zappa was a musician and composer with a flair for the absurd. | Fred Batley gives young and aspiring actors and actresses a chance to shine. | Frida Kahlo became a famous Mexican artist despite polio and injuries. |
 |  |  |  |
| Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel revolutionized women's fashion and empowered women | Gary Birch is a compassionate educator and role model to his students. | gary larson is the creator of the comic strip, 'The Far Side.' | Harry Houdini was a famous escape artist. |
 |  |  |  |
| Hayao Miyazaki is a talented film and animation creator. | Helen Hayes is considered the 'First Lady of American Theater.' | J.N. (Ding) Darling , conservationist and cartoonist, used his art to raise awareness about the environment. | Jacob Lawrence broke racial barriers as a renowned painter. |
 |  |  |  |
| Jim Henson , Father of the Muppets, was the world's most famous puppeteer. | Johan (Jean) Julius Christian Sibelius was an innovative modern composer. | John Lennon was a singer/songwriter, member of The Beatles and peace activist. | John Tu , founder of Kingston Technology is also a musician and a supporter of the Freedom Writers. |
 |  |  |  |
| Josefina Lopez is a Latina screenwriter who believes in the power of women. | Joséphine Baker , popular African American dancer in France, fought for civil rights and freedom against the Nazis. | Katie Lee is a passionate advocate for wilderness. | Kaziah Hancock paints portraits of fallen soldiers as a memorial keepsake for their families. |
 |  |  |  |
| Ken Theeradej Wongpuapan is a popular Thai actor and UNICEF Youth Ambassador. | Laurel Burch is an artist who has inspired other artists and women in need across the globe | Leonardo da Vinci was an artist, scientist, and inventor. | Leonardo da Vinci was an artist and a scientist ever curious of the world around him. |
 |  |  |  |
| Lou Ferrigno is a successful actor and bodybuilder who overcame a hearing disability. | Louis Sullivan is credited with inventing the skyscraper. | Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the greatest composers of classical music. | M.C. Escher created art that plays with perspective and dimension. |
 |  |  |  |
| Mamadou Tall Diedhiou combines recycled materials to create inspiring works of art. | Margot Fonteyn was a world-renowned dancer. | Maria Tallchief is a Native American ballerina who pioneered many important roles. | Marian Anderson was a world-renowned opera singer. |
 |  |  |  |
| Mary Cassatt filled the world with her beautiful paintings of children, mothers, love and kindness. | Mary Jane Colter designed the rustic buildings at the Grand Canyon National Park. | Maya Lin is an architect and sculptor. | Nam June Paik #1 Video Artist is regarded as the 'father of video art.' |
 |  |  |  |
| Nicolae Grigorescu was one of the founders of modern Romanian painting. | Oswaldo Guayasamin was an Ecuadorian artist whose work reflected his commitment to democracy. | Paloma Herrera is an accomplished ballerina. | Patrick Nagatani uses photography and colored lights to promote good health. |
 |  |  |  |
| Paul Robeson was a performer who was deeply committed to political causes. | Pedro Almodovar is considered one of the most influential Spanish filmmakers. | Peter Jackson is a filmmaker who directed the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. | Piet Kroon is a talented Dutch filmmaker and devoted dad. |
 |  |  |  |
| R. Buckminster Fuller designed the geodesic dome. | Rembrandt van Rijn captures the suffering, reflection and compassion of humanity in his art. | Robert Redford established the Sundance Film Festival to effect change in the world. | Robert Wise was a filmmaker, teacher and mentor. |
 |  |  |  |
| Roberto Arevalo of The Mirror Project teaches kids TV production. | Scott Joplin composed operatic and ragtime music. | September McGee is an artist and a teacher. | Stephen Joseph uses art to protect the land. |
 |  |  |  |
| Stephen Sondheim composed popular Broadway musicals. | Steveland Morris (a.k.a. Stevie Wonder) is an incredible pianist and singer. | Tadao Ando is a world-famous Japanese architect. | Taron Lexton applies his filmmaking talents to advocate for human rights. |
 |  |  |  |
| Tomihiro Hoshino creates captivating art despite paralysis. | Vincent Van Gogh remains one of the world's most renowned artists. | Vojko Gasperut creates beautiful paintings despite his paralysis. | Walt Disney was both a visionary artist and an entrepreneur. |
 |  |  |  |
| Wang Yani has been painting since she was three years old. | Will Smith is a musician and actor whose roles are often heroic and funny. | Wilson Bentley was the first person to photograph a single snowflake. | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart |
 |  | ||
| Youssef Chahine is a highly respected and accomplished Egyptian film director. | Zaha Hadid is the first woman to be awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize. |
Last changed on:5/5/2006
|
