Dorothy Dandridge
ActingAbout Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Jean Dandridge (November 9, 1922 – September 8, 1965) was an American actress and singer. She was the first African-American film star to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, which was for her performance in Carmen Jones (1954). Dandridge also performed as a vocalist in venues such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. During her early career, she performed as a part of The Wonder Children, later The Dandridge Sisters, and appeared in a succession of films, usually in uncredited roles. In 1959, Dandridge was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Porgy and Bess. She is the subject of the 1999 biographical film Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, with Halle Berry portraying her. She has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Dorothy Dandridge Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Dorothy Dandridge reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Dorothy Dandridge's work falls within the Music genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 22% of Dorothy Dandridge's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Dorothy Dandridge Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Dorothy Dandridge's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Dorothy Dandridge has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Sarah Vaughan & Other Jazz Divas | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2004 | The Harlem Renaissance | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Dorothy Dandridge: An American Beauty | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | It's Black Entertainment | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| N/A | Ebony Parade | (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Murder Men | Norma Sherman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1960 | Moment of Danger | Gianna | Flop | Similar → |
| 1959 | Porgy and Bess | Bess | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Decks Ran Red | Mahia | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Tamango | Aiché, Reiker's mistress | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Island in the Sun | Margot Seaton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Carmen Jones | Carmen Jones | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Remains to Be Seen | Dorothy Dandridge | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Bright Road | Jane Richards | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Harlem Globetrotters | Ann Carpenter | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | Tarzan's Peril | Melmendi, Queen of the Ashuba | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | Swingtime Jamboree | Herself | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | Pillow to Post | Herself - Vocalist (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | Atlantic City | Singer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | Since You Went Away | Black Officer's Wife in Train Station (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Hit Parade of 1943 | Count Basie Band Singer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | Happy Go Lucky | Showgirl (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | Moo Cow Boogie | Singer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Lucky Jordan | Hollyhock School Maid | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | A Zoot Suit with a Reet Pleat | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Orchestra Wives | Singer/Dancer | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Blackbird Fantasy | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Drums of the Congo | Princess Malimi | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Night in New Orleans | Sal, Shadrach's Girl (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Cow-Cow Boogie | Cowgirl | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Paper Doll | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Bahama Passage | Thalia | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Yes, Indeed! | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Ride 'Em Cowboy | Dancer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sundown | Kipsang's Wife | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sun Valley Serenade | Specialty Act | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Jungle Jig | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Swing for Your Supper | Vocalist | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Lady from Louisiana | Felice | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Easy Street | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Lazybones | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Four Shall Die | Helen Fielding | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | International Revels | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Irene | One of the Dandridge Sisters (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Going Places | Member of The Dandridge Sisters | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Snow Gets in Your Eyes | One of the Dandridge Sisters (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | It Can't Last Forever | Dandridge Sisters Act (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | A Day at the Races | Singer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Teacher's Beau | Student | Hit | Similar → |
Dorothy Dandridge - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Dorothy Dandridge?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Dorothy Dandridge is "Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Dorothy Dandridge acted in?
Dorothy Dandridge has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Dorothy Dandridge?
Other notable films include "It's Black Entertainment", "A Zoot Suit with a Reet Pleat", and "Dorothy Dandridge: An American Beauty".