A Tribute To Nina Mae McKinney - The First Black and Beautiful Movie Star
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Nina Mae became the first black movie star and popular entertainer in her time. Nina Mae became the first black woman to have a leading role in the first black cast movie "Hallelujah" and to be signed to a major studio, MGM. Though the movie had stereotypes, Nina Mae took her role as "chick" and introduced a new image of a black woman...beautiful, sexy, vivacious, lively, passionate, emotional, innocent but fierce. In the role she displayed her versatility as an actress, though she never acted before, her naturalness and knowledge of her culture came through and she brought her role alive and made the film a success but not without controversy, as with most of the black films of the time. As a child it was her dream to be an actress, she was told "there were no colored girls in movies or magazines," and that a colored gal could never be a movie star. She took to the stage as a teenager, becoming a chorus girl in the hit musical The Blackbirds of 1929, and there she was discovered, in a chorus line of many beautiful girls and talented stars, Nina outshined them all and caught the attention of director King Vidor. The stage had many black stars, but no black screen stars, but Nina changed that. Her life's dream of being an actress came true, and she took advantage of it, and provided a movie star to the black community, while at the same time, displaying a versatility in acting that Hollywood hadn't yet took advantage of when it came to black actresses. Nina admired Florence Mills and Josephine Baker, and her film role she displayed the versatility in black women, in the role as chick, Nina displayed Flo Mill's sweetness and innocence and Josephine Baker's wild, sexy, in tune with her sexuality on screen, with a touch of her own style. In Hallelujah, Nina set the foundation of a black temptress who uses her feminine wiles to lead men astray, a woman who can't chose between good and bad, who meets a tragic end, Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge would play the same type of temptress roles in their major roles. Like Horne and Dandridge, Nina Mae had her ups and downs in Hollywood. When the movie roles weren't there, Nina Mae used her multi-talents for the stage, she became popular like the women she admired. She was the most talked about in the black newspapers, her love affairs, scandals, thoughts, were often written about. She was the first black women to appear in major pre-dominantly white magazines. She traveled all over the world performing in premier nightclubs and theaters. Her warm, soothing, crooning voice and lively dancing made her another popular entertainer from the Golden Era of Harlem. Nina Mae had other significant film roles and speciality appearances in films singing and dancing. Every opportunity she received she let her vivacious personality glow and her talent entertain. It's unfortunate that the film industry wouldn't give many black actresses a chance. There was a limit to how many they would let appear on screen, it was almost as if they felt one black woman's talent or a few, represented the whole race. Hollywood was blind to the versatility in black actresses. In the 1930's Nina Mae McKinney was the in-demand performer and actress that was sought after to appear on screen. In the 1940's, it was Lena Horne, and in the 1950's Dorothy Dandridge. There were many in each of these women's time that had all the makings of a star but because of the "one black beauty" at a time rule, the world didn't get to enjoy the versatile talent and beauty of black women, like the world got to enjoy the many white actresses beauty and talent. Nina Mae, Lena, and Dorothy had that extra something over all others, that made Hollywood give them a chance, and though they didn't reach their full potential, with the films they were in, they showed they had what it took. They put up with and fought persecution, racism, stereotyping, and not having the freedom as an actress, they suffered so that the next generations of black actresses would have it a little easier. They weren't truly appreciated in ther time, so let's give them that appreciation now.
OK you´re right but let´s not forget the other amazing black entertainers before Nina Mae McKinney like Madame Sul-Te-Wan 1873, Evelyn Preer 1896, Ethel Waters 1896, Lilian Randolph 1898, Ruby Dandridge 1900, Etta Moten 1901, Adelaide Hall 1901, Valaida Snow 1904, Theresa Harris 1906 and Josephine Baker 1906!
WOW..she was gorgeous
NINA MAE WAS A FLAWLESS BEAUTY.
Such a lovely tribute! I saw "Hallelujah" a few nights ago for the very first time and was so impressed by how gorgeous and how great of an actress she was.
Actually Josephine Baker was the first African-American female to star in a major motion picture, Baker also starred in three films that found success also in Europe: The silent film Siren of the Tropics (1927), Zouzou (1934) and Princesse Tam Tam (1935). She also starred in Fausse Alerte in 1940, She performed ZouZou to integrate an American concert hall, and to become a world-famous entertainer. (Wikipedia)
This is beautiful! Nina Mae was beautiful, more than beautiful, exotic, aluring, mesmerizing. That's what I thought when I saw her photograph at an African American memorabilia exhibit years ago. I purchased that picture and then sought to find out as much as I could about her. IMO, Nina Mae should have had the lead role in the movie Pinky.
This lady was stunningly beautiful. How sad it is that great talent such as she had was suppressed. It is so good that we can all appreciate and enjoy some of her brilliance because people like you take the time and effort to share these wonderful posts.
Thanks a million for sharing. It is much appreciated.
Nina was the first to star in an Hollywood movie. Josephine didn't appear in an Hollywood movie, all her movies were made in Europe, a big difference. Nina Mae was the first American Hollywood movie star.
Wonderful!! Thank you for archiving!! She was an American Treasure!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I only knew of Nina Mae as the 'mean girl' in Pinky... I had no idea what an accomplished star she was.
I saw that Movie..
I favorited this! A beautiful tribute to an underrated performer of the 20th century. I love nostalgia, classic cinema and music, and Nina Mae McKinney is one of the most fascinating African-American artists I've learned about...she came before so many like Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, and Eartha Kitt, but strangely, people don't know as much about her work. That's why I'm glad to see a tribute like this!
@cpklapper Nina Mae was the first in movies to be in a starring role, big difference. Ethel wasn't in any starring roles yet. She was more a stage and recording star. So Nina was the first and a trail blazer for beautiful black women. Don't come here hating.
MusicandDancing4Ever you know nothing
A fine Tribute - Thank You
Nina Mae McKinney is my cousin ! And I am pursuing a career as a Movie Screenwriter and Actor for TV & Film !
At the time that I am writing this your comment is 11 years old. I hope that your writing and acting career is successful. How cool to be Ms. Nina M. cousin.
She reminds me of Debbie and Dorothy Dandridge as Carmen Jones mixed together!
Thanks for posting and thank you Nina Mae McKinney! We Remember!!!!….
There were several important African-American trendsetters before Nina McKinney namely Madame Sul-Te-Wan 1873, Evelyn Preer 1896, Ethel Waters 1896, Lilian Randolph 1898, Ruby Dandridge 1900, Etta Moten 1901, Adelaide Hall 1901, Valaida Snow 1904, Theresa Harris 1906 and Josephine Baker 1906!
She's a true American hero !
There were several important African-American trendsetters before Nina McKinney namely Madame Sul-Te-Wan 1873, Evelyn Preer 1896, Ethel Waters 1896, Lilian Randolph 1898, Ruby Dandridge 1900, Etta Moten 1901, Adelaide Hall 1901, Valaida Snow 1904, Theresa Harris 1906 and Josephine Baker 1906!
Thankis for posting this video!! I love her so much and would love for you to share more of this with me.
I wonder if she helped to influence Debbie Allen? I can't help but see Debbie Allen in her.
I loved her in "Hallaujah".
She was loaded with talent. A lot of white directors would refer the white actresses to study her, because she was so animated. I did not know she could sing like that. More importantly ....how did get from Nina Mae Mckinny to Azelia Banks?
@TheAdelaidehall I hope he writes a good biography of her. I have tons of info on her and I never was contacted. I was the first to show interest in her and put her name back out there via the Internet. I have a lot of background info on her and know a lot of things that most people don't know and I've met people who knew her. I have many photos and tons upon tons of articles. I always wanted to put a book together on her. Maybe I still can. Whatever he leaves out about her, maybe I can add.
This lady has her as a white blue eyed portrait on instagram. SMH reckons that's the only picture she could find of her to draw off.
Thanks. Never know about Nina, saw the woman in Sanders of the river 1935 when I was a kid and thought she was Dandridge. Also my mum watched Dandridge movies as she was a fan of Dandridge and Harry Belafonte since Carmen and because we had met Harry when he came to my mum's office for a visa. Also because Dorothy had a similar role in Drums of the Congo as Princess Malimi. Good to see such a beautiful black woman not stereotyped. LOL though that future President Jomo Kenyatta is in Nina film!
Pie Pie Blackbird
& the Movie Hallelujah
Loved her Realness!!
no Mammie roles for Nina. lol
@RememberTheTime09 There's is a bio coming out, but the book won't be fully detailed or accurate because the author didn't talk to any family members and plus there's not a lot of info after all they years, but a book is definitely due to her.
What a knock out..with those big pretty eyes,fab figure and a great voice
beautiful woman I sure hate that she's not more well-known
There were several important African-American trendsetters before Nina McKinney namely Madame Sul-Te-Wan 1873, Evelyn Preer 1896, Ethel Waters 1896, Lilian Randolph 1898, Ruby Dandridge 1900, Etta Moten 1901, Adelaide Hall 1901, Valaida Snow 1904, Theresa Harris 1906 and Josephine Baker 1906!
you have given us a great gift. thank you
Carol
Beautiful!
Stunning in every way.
Thanks to Ms Nina McKinney for being 1 of the trend setter of such a one sided strenuous chaotic society. I agree her looks takes my breath away! Only 1 hater... Well she still getting the job done, I see.
Thx for posting.
There were several important trendsetters before Nina McKinney namely Madame Sul-Te-Wan 1873, Evelyn Preer 1896, Ethel Waters 1896, Lilian Randolph 1898, Ruby Dandridge 1900, Etta Moten 1901, Adelaide Hall 1901, Valaida Snow 1904, Theresa Harris 1906 and Josephine Baker 1906!
Thanks for posting! You're fortunate to have a great collection of her images--
I wasn't aware of her even though I love old movies. What a beauty!
I'm gonna start singing a song for Nina everyday!
thank you very much perfect.
There were several important African-American trendsetters before Nina McKinney namely Madame Sul-Te-Wan 1873, Evelyn Preer 1896, Ethel Waters 1896, Lilian Randolph 1898, Ruby Dandridge 1900, Etta Moten 1901, Adelaide Hall 1901, Valaida Snow 1904, Theresa Harris 1906 and Josephine Baker 1906!
Wow..Never heard of her until now..She was before Lena and Dorothy's time.
I just wstched Pie, Pie Blackbird and she was a powerhouse. She had such eyes, her eyes are like diamonds. She was a beautiful lady.
She was beautiful
ive heard her name here and there and was intriged by her i'm sure she had many hardships trying ti make it in hollywood in her day god bless her for helping to pave the way by taking the brunt of the racism
I loved this! I have a NMM myspace tribute page and loved to see there were more photos of her out there. I wish she was more known. Her story should be told. I would love to know where you found some of the more hard to find photos. :)
absolutely beautiful!!! great video post
Great talent that will not be forgotten!
@2:46 "Betty boobs" looks like Ms. Nina. I thank you for sharing this video with us. Truly, its my first time to hear of Ms. Nina Mae fame.
Well okay, you never mentioned the first African American leading role in a (Hollywood movie) in your earlier statement. It stated as I cut and paste from your words (Nina Mae became the first black woman to have a leading role in the first black cast movie). But I understand what you were saying.
thank you!
MusicandDancing4Ever..If you feel in your heart you must do a bio of her,then you should. satisfy your heart...All The Best!!
@jahlaune Nina had popularity with white audiences. When she went to Europe, she was very much loved there. She just was unable to sustain her success. Ethel was more embraced because she was willing to be the mammie type, white America wasn't yet ready for a glamourous, beautiful black woman.
@primeride2 what do you mean whatever race...she was black.
@TheAdelaidehall The bio isn't worth reading because the author didn't do the proper research and didn't get in touch with relatives.
Lovely!
At 3:09 there's a still with Jean Harlow seated off to the left, what film is that?
@TheAdelaidehall Well, he didnt get in touch with her family members so his biography isnt legit. He didn't provide real info on her life, that's what people want to know about. Her family could have gave him info. He didn't respect her family, so I show him no respect. I have plenty of photos of Nina, so don't need his.
I can see Taraji playing her in a bio pic
🕣 Thank you
Beautiful video. There is still not one bio written on this lady...correct?! Not even a story in our big magazines. How long will they wait...till she is totally lost/even harder to report on?! Sad how many great unsung black entertainers there are.
Que lindo❤
Was she the prototype for Betty Boop--I know it was a Black woman-
This lady did an interview, where she talked down on her own people. That's why she wasn't talked about. How do you disrespect the black community in a whole and think you can have a career in black films
Superb footage! Continue the great work. We Would greatly value your feedback! Let's encourage each other? 😊 ✌️
Hm. I wonder if we are related. Same last name. :D
1:44 Black face ... 0:31 white face
Someone explain this...
Does your mother know Nina's family in Vegas ?
Maybe Yara Shadidi ???...