Hattie McDaniel: Trailblazer Of Hollywood (1895-1952)

Hattie McDaniel's story is one of resilience and brilliance in a time when opportunities for Black actors were severely limited. By the mid-1920s, she emerged as one of the first Black women to perform on radio, setting the stage for her future triumphs. In 1940, her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind made her the first Black person to win an Oscar, a groundbreaking achievement in the film industry. Yet, her legacy is not just about accolades; it encompasses the struggles, controversies, and the indelible mark she left on Hollywood.

Who Was Hattie McDaniel?

Hattie McDaniel was born on June 10, 1895, in Wichita, Kansas, and was the 13th child in her family. Growing up, she faced many challenges, including her father's struggles as a Civil War veteran. Despite these hardships, Hattie found her passion in performance, showcasing her talent in school and church, which laid the foundation for her future career in entertainment.

By the mid-1920s, Hattie had made significant strides in her career, becoming one of the first Black women to appear on radio. Her onscreen debut came in 1934 with the movie Judge Priest, followed by the historic Oscar win for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone with the Wind. However, her career faced ups and downs, leading to her role in CBS radio's The Beulah Show in 1947.

Quick Facts

Here are some essential details about Hattie McDaniel:

• Full Name: Hattie McDaniel
• Born: June 10, 1895
• Died: October 26, 1952
• Birthplace: Wichita, Kansas
• Spouses: Howard Hickman (1911-1915), George Langford (1922), James Lloyd Crawford (1941-1945), Larry C. Williams (1949-1950)
• Astrological Sign: Gemini

Early Years

Hattie McDaniel’s upbringing in Wichita, Kansas, was marked by both creativity and adversity. Born into a family with a history of struggle, her father, a Civil War veteran, faced physical challenges, while her mother worked as a domestic worker. These early experiences shaped Hattie's future aspirations and fortitude.

In 1901, the McDaniel family relocated to Denver, where Hattie attended a predominantly white school. She exhibited a natural talent for singing, which garnered her admiration from classmates and teachers alike. This passion for performing would become the driving force behind her career in entertainment.

Radio and Vaudeville Performer

During her time at Denver East High School, Hattie began her professional journey, performing in skits and singing as part of The Mighty Minstrels. In 1909, she made the bold decision to drop out of school to pursue her burgeoning career. This led to her marriage to pianist Howard Hickman, with whom she organized an all-women's minstrel show.

Throughout the 1920s, Hattie toured with various vaudeville troops and worked with Professor George Morrison's orchestra. It was during this period that she gained a foothold in the entertainment industry, eventually securing a spot on Denver’s KOA radio station, further establishing her as a performer of note.

Movie Career: Judge Priest and The Little Colonel

In the early 1930s, McDaniel moved to Los Angeles, inspired by her siblings who had begun to find success in the film industry. Her early roles included an extra in a Hollywood musical, but her breakout came in 1934 when she appeared in Judge Priest, where she showcased her talent alongside Will Rogers.

McDaniel's performance in The Little Colonel opposite Shirley Temple solidified her place in Hollywood. The character of Mom Beck was a pivotal role that led to a series of offers and cemented her reputation as a talented actress capable of bringing depth to her performances.

Academy Award for Gone with the Wind

In 1939, Hattie McDaniel's role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind marked a significant moment in her career and the history of film. She became the first Black American to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Despite this historical achievement, the racial barriers of the time denied her and other Black actors the opportunity to attend the film's premiere.

The portrayal of Mammy also sparked controversy within the Black community, with criticism directed at her for perpetuating stereotypes. McDaniel defended her choices, asserting that she had the right to accept the roles offered to her, and that characters like Mammy demonstrated strength and complexity beyond their circumstances.

Late-Career Success: The Beulah Show

As the entertainment landscape shifted during World War II, McDaniel found fewer opportunities in film. In 1947, she took a strategic step back into radio, landing the lead role in CBS's The Beulah Show, which showcased her comedic talents and connected her with audiences once more.

However, her health began to decline, with a heart attack and breast cancer diagnosis leading to the end of her acting career. Despite these challenges, McDaniel's impact on radio and film remained significant, and she continued to be a beloved figure until her passing in 1952.

Death and Legacy

Hattie McDaniel passed away on October 26, 1952, leaving behind a formidable legacy. She was 57 years old at the time of her death, and her struggles with health did not overshadow her groundbreaking contributions to Hollywood. Posthumously, she was honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1975.

Her life and career have been the subject of numerous retrospectives, including a biography published in 2005, which highlighted her journey through a challenging industry. The documentary Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel further explored her impact, ensuring that her story continues to inspire future generations.

Quotes

• Hell, I’d rather play a maid than be one.
• I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry.
• When I was 8 years old, I knew what I was going to be: an actress.