Academy Award-nominated actress who broke racial barriers in Hollywood, starring in films like "Imitation of Life" and "Lady Sings the Blues".
Juanita Moore is best known for her iconic role as Annie Johnson in the 1959 film Imitation of Life, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This milestone marked her as the fifth black actor to be nominated for an Oscar, and the third in the Supporting Actress category.
Born on October 19, 1914, in Greenwood, Mississippi, Moore was the daughter of Ella (née Dunn) and Harrison Moore. She grew up in Los Angeles, California, after her family relocated during the Great Migration. Moore's early foray into the performing arts began as a dancer, part of a chorus line at the legendary Cotton Club. She later transitioned to film, working as an extra while pursuing her passion for theatre.
Moore's theatre career took off when she became the vice president of the Original Cambridge Players. In 1965, she helped bring the Los Angeles production of The Amen Corner to Broadway's Ethel Barrymore Theater. Her close friendship with Marlon Brando and James Baldwin led to a pivotal moment in literary history – Moore loaned Brando $75 to support Baldwin's writing of the play.
Moore's portrayal of Annie Johnson, a black housekeeper whose daughter passes for white, in the 1959 remake of Imitation of Life earned her widespread critical acclaim. Her Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress was a testament to her groundbreaking performance. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for the same role.
Throughout the 1930s to 2000s, Moore appeared in numerous film and television productions, including Double Deal (1939), Disneys' The Kid (2000), and guest roles on popular TV shows like Dragnet, Adam-12, Marcus Welby, M.D., ER, and Judging Amy.
Juanita Moore's trailblazing career paved the way for future generations of African American actresses. She will be remembered for her remarkable talent, perseverance, and contribution to the advancement of diversity in film and theatre. Moore passed away on January 1, 2014, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Born in 1921
A glamorous Hollywood starlet of the 1940s and 1950s, known for her stunning looks and iconic film roles in movies like "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and "Peyton Place".
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A trailblazing African American performer who broke racial barriers in Hollywood, starring in films like "Carmen Jones" and earning an Academy Award nomination. She was a talented singer, dancer, and actress who paved the way for future generations of black actresses.
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First African American to win an Academy Award, recognized for her iconic role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind.
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94 Years Old
A glamorous and talented actress who dazzled audiences with her iconic film roles and dedication to charitable causes.
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