Lorraine Hansberry - Actor Profile

Lorraine Hansberry

Writing
Freshness: Feb 05, 2026
2Total Films
6.2 Highest Rated
Born: May 19, 1930
Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA

About Lorraine Hansberry

Lorraine Hansberry was born May 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Her family challenged legal segregation, giving rise to the Supreme Court case Hansberry v. Lee. This might have inspired Hansberry to accomplish a first: The opening of A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway on March 11, 1959, which was adapted to screenplay form for two feature films. No black female author had done the former before. The play's storyline about the Youngers, a black family trying out an integrationist vision of life in spite of societal racism, resonates with Hansberry's father's legal battle from a decade earlier. Although Hansberry had many writings published and wrote other plays, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window was her only other play that got a production during her life. In 1963, Hansberry received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, leading to her untimely death at the age of 34.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Lorraine Hansberry reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 2 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Lorraine Hansberry's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 0% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Lorraine Hansberry remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Lorraine Hansberry Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Lorraine Hansberry's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Lorraine Hansberry.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2017 Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
1978 Black Theatre: The Making of a Movement Self (Archive Footage) Flop Similar →

Lorraine Hansberry - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Lorraine Hansberry?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Lorraine Hansberry is "Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart" with a rating of 6.2/10.

How many movies has Lorraine Hansberry acted in?

Lorraine Hansberry has been featured in at least 2 major films throughout their career.