Nina Mae McKinney
ActingAbout Nina Mae McKinney
Nina Mae McKinney (June 12, 1912 – May 3, 1967) was an American actress who worked internationally during the 1930s and in the postwar period in theatre, film and television, after beginning her career on Broadway and in Hollywood. Dubbed "The Black Garbo" in Europe because of her striking beauty, McKinney was both one of the first African-American film stars in the United States and one of the first African-Americans to appear on British television.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Nina Mae McKinney reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 25 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Music
The majority of Nina Mae McKinney's filmography leans towards the Music 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 20% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Nina Mae McKinney remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Pinky, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Nina Mae McKinney Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Nina Mae McKinney's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Nina Mae McKinney.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Copper Canyon | Theresa | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | Pinky | Rozelia | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Danger Street | Veronica | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | Night Train to Memphis | Maid | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | Mantan Messes Up | Nina | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Power of the Whistler | Flotilda | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Together Again | Maid in Nightclub Powder Room (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1944 | Dark Waters | Florella | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Swanee Showboat | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Devil's Daughter | Isabelle Walton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Straight to Heaven | Ida Williams | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | Gang Smashers | Laura Jackson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Television Demonstration Film | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Lonely Trail | Dancer (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Black Network | Nina Mae - Radio Singer | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Sanders of the River | Lilongo | Average | Similar → |
| 1935 | Reckless | Nina Mae McKinney - Singer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1934 | Kentucky Minstrels | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1934 | What Price Jazz | Dancer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Blood Money | Rebecca, Ruby's maid (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Pie, Pie Blackbird | Miss Nina | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Safe in Hell | Leonie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | They Learned About Women | Specialty Singer - Harlem Madness | Flop | Similar → |
| 1929 | Manhattan Serenade | Singer / Dancer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1929 | Hallelujah | Chick | Hit | Similar → |
Nina Mae McKinney - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Nina Mae McKinney?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Nina Mae McKinney is "Pinky" with a rating of 7.1/10.
How many movies has Nina Mae McKinney acted in?
Nina Mae McKinney has been featured in at least 25 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Nina Mae McKinney?
Other notable films include "Blood Money", "What Price Jazz", and "Hallelujah".