Old Hollywood Excellence: A Celebration of Classic Black Movie Stars

Since Cab Calloway was more famous as a singer, when he usually appeared on screen he played himself or a bandleader who was a fictionalized version of himself. His over-the-top performances made him a groundbreaking entertainer and someone who would be imitated, but never duplicated, for years.

So much more than Catwoman, Eartha Kitt was a singer/actress/dancer who worked in film, TV and Broadway. Even when the government tried to ruin her career for speaking out against the Vietnam War, she went overseas and conquered Europe. Working right up to her death, she is one of the greatest sex symbols of all-time.

Most film buffs know Brock Peters as Tom in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,” but he’s had a long career that includes roles in “Carmen Jones,” “Porgy & Bess,” “The Young and the Restless,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and voiceover work in “Batman: The Animated Series.” No matter what genre he appeared in, or what character he was playing, Peters brought a dignity and class to his work.

Yes, she spent most of her career as “Star Trek’s” Uhura, but the impact she made as the Enterprise’s comms officer is immeasurable. There Black professionals working in every industry because they saw Nichols on their TV. She inspired generations of astronauts to go to space and countless women became scientists because of her influence. That’s bigger than any award will ever be.

Lena Horne had a real regal quality that made every role she played important. No matter what she was doing, you knew it was going to be unforgettable. You’ve never in your life seen a bad Lena Horne performance.

Film historians often talk about the “It Factor” of Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner. Dorothy Dandridge had that same “It,” and her star power and influence on Black stars of today is undeniable. In films like “Carmen Jones,” “Island in the Sun” and “Porgy and Bess” she often drew the audience into the world with just one look or move.

It wasn’t just that Harry Belafonte was an extraordinary actor, he used his roles to uplift the Black community. Throughout his career he made sure his characters had a positive impact.

Honestly, what’s left to say about the excellence of Sidney Poitier that we haven’t already discussed? From “Lillies in the Field,” to “Duel at Diablo,” to “To Sir With Love,” to “The Defiant Ones,” there’s a dignity in his roles that only he could portray.

Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee have incredible careers separate from one another, but they’re also beautifully linked as the king and queen of Black Hollywood.

Like a lot of Black actors in the ‘30s and ‘40s, Hattie McDaniel’s only opportunity to be in films meant playing maids and servants. It wasn’t until after her death that she recognition for her work and the racism she endured to create lasting opportunities for the next generation. Being the first Black Oscar winner is something we praise and honor, but we also know it couldn’t have been easy for her to be “the first.”

Louise Beavers is another actress who doesn’t get enough credit for the legacy of her work because she was forced to play maids and domestic servants. However, her performances in “Reform School” and “Imitation of Life” show that there was a deep dignity in her craft. In modern Hollywood she would be a highly respected character actor.

Put simply, Sammy Davis Jr. is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Singing, acting, dancing, hosting, comedy, there was nothing he couldn’t do. The other members of the Rat Pack are all legends, but none of them had the pure talent of Sammy.

If you look up the word elegant in the dictionary, there’s a picture of Diahann Carroll. No matter who she’s playing, there’s a class she brings that elevates every project. Her countless appearances on TV variety series and talk shows felt like special events. Her trailblazing series “Julia” is the reason we have shows like “The Jeffersons” and “Abbott Elementary.”

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneering director of the silent film era. His films eschewed the racist tropes of the time and portrayed Black people as educated and ambitious. They often tackled serious issues surrounding race and class, which was not something that was done back then.

Josephine Baker was truly ahead of her time. Everything from her style, to her performance style, to her activism are hallmarks of modern entertainers. When you say “old Hollywood,” Baker is the personification of that statement.

Juanita Moore was another amazing actress who was sadly relegated to playing maids, but her talent was so undeniable she often stole scenes from her more famous co-stars. If you’re not familiar with her work, look no further than her heartbreaking turn in 1959’s “Imitation of Life.”

Her distinctive voice made every film and musical she appeared in unforgettable. Pearl Bailey had a charismatic, powerful presence that captivated audiences, and often overshadowed co-stars. She was a force.

Canada Lee’s career wasn’t long, but it was impactful. In “Cry, the Beloved Country” showed us how essential it is to use film to confront the harsh realities of racism and discrimination.

With all due respect to Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, who are absolutely brilliant dancers, the Nicholas Brothers are the greatest dancers in film history. Their personality, athleticism and creativity are unmatched. They quite literally defy the laws of physics and gravity.