Hattie McDaniel
1893–1952 (age 59)
Actress/Singer
Biography
Hattie McDaniel broke barriers as an actress and singer, becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role in Gone with the Wind and using her visibility to advocate for greater opportunities in entertainment.
She balanced her pioneering career with community engagement, offering encouragement to younger performers and remaining a dignified presence in Hollywood until her death in 1952.