LEARNING TOGETHER: The Story of America
Hattie McDaniel was an American actress. She was the first African American (in 1940) to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Mammy in the movie Gone with the Wind (1939). Her image is displayed on a postage stamp. McDaniel was also a blues singer-songwriter. She appeared in at least 16 movies and dozens of TV appearances. She entertained Black troops during World War ll. She had a weekly radio show.
McDaniel was criticized for playing stereotype roles. She responded by saying, “I’ll rather play a maid than be a maid.”
Like all African Americans, McDaniel had to deal with racism. She wasn’t allowed to attend the “whites-only” premiere of Gone with the Wind in Atlanta.
McDaniel died of breast cancer in 1952.
OUR HISTORY MATTERS
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