Edna Thomas
1885–1974 (age 89)
Biography
Edna Thomas was a distinguished stage actress whose performances resonated during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Her portrayal of Lady Macbeth in the groundbreaking 1936 Federal Theatre Project production earned her admiration for its emotional depth and dramatic intelligence.
Thomas devoted herself to elevating the role of African American artists on the American stage, mentoring younger performers and advocating for expanded opportunity. Her artistry and advocacy advanced the cause of theater as a means to reflect the full breadth of human experience.