Dorothy Dandridge As Ms. Richards In The Film Bright Road

Dorothy Dandridge: Old Hollywood Actress

Written by: Jessica Gonzalez

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Time to read 18 min

Dorothy Dandridge was a great talent and beauty. 

Dorothy Dandridge - Old Holywood Actress
Dorothy Dandridge - Old Holywood Actress

I can’t play a slave.

Dorothy Dandridge

1962 EBONY DOROTHY DANDRIDGE
1962 EBONY DOROTHY DANDRIDGE
1922 - Young Dorothy Dandridge
1922 - Young Dorothy Dandridge

Falling for Dorothy Dandridge

Vintage fashion & fashion history have long inspired me. 

 

It wasn’t until 2020 that I realized I really wanted to learn more about fashion history.

 

What/who influenced its evolution? 

 

Given Hollywood’s close connection to the fashion industry, I turned to Old Hollywood and starlets of the Golden Age to begin my own edification. 

 

Thus, I discovered the vintage beauty of Dorothy Dandridge.

 

Not only was she the epitome of Old Hollywood Glamour, but she was a trailblazer.

 

By her early 30s, she had established herself as a headlining actress.

 

In 1957, she was nominated for An Academy Award for her leading role in Carmen Jones, a musical she nearly didn’t get due to “looking like a model.”

 

This was an incredible achievement as her nomination marked the first time an African-American actress had been nominated for a leading role. 

 

Discovering her work was both a wonderful and heartbreaking surprise.

 

It was wonderful because discovering a new artist with whom I connect – new or old – is always something I relish.

 

I was heartbroken because her story, while inspirational, is quite sad. 

 

Also, I’ve felt cheated for not having learned of her work sooner.

 

If you find yourself in my place, of only learning about this amazing woman now, I hope you love this post.

 

If you are a long-time fan who understands the importance of her work already, I hope that you approve of and enjoy this post.

 

My intention here is to spotlight a woman who I believe is deserving of more notoriety. 

Old Hollywood Glamour: Dorothy Dandridge The Story of a Great Actress & Beauty (VIDEO)

In this video, I cover the story of Dorothy Dandridge.

 

I used a lot of resources for this video, but the ones I used the most are as follows:

For a full list of resources, click here: 

Dorothy's Early Years

Ruby Dandridge 1923
Ruby Dandridge 1923
Dorothy Dandridge with Ruby Dandridge, & daughter Harolyn
Dorothy Dandridge with Ruby Dandridge, & daughter Harolyn

MOTHER AND FATHER: RUBY &CYRIL DANDRIDGE

RUBY DANDRIDGE

Dorothy Dandridge was born Dorothy Jean Dandridge on November 9th, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ruby Dandridge – an ambitious woman who dreamed of the spotlight for herself and her daughters. 

 

Given her ambition for fame, Ruby left her husband before Dorothy was born in search of a better future.

 

Ruby worked hard to make her dreams come true. 

 

She worked hard for her family and, when not working, would pursue engagements in show business. 

 

She landed various roles in films but was most well known for her work in radio.

Ruby Dandridge Signed Photo
Ruby Dandridge Signed Photo
Ruby Dandridge On Film
Ruby Dandridge On Film

CYRIL DANDRIDGE

Dorothy’s father was Cyril Dandridge, a cabinetmaker, and Baptist minister.

 

Of her father, Dorothy heard that he’d abandoned his family.

 

This wasn’t true.

 

He searched for them but couldn’t keep up with Ruby as she moved so frequently. 

Cyril Dandridge - Dorothy
Cyril Dandridge - Dorothy's Father

The Wonder Children - Dorothy Dandridge & Vivian Dandridge

Young Dorothy Dandridge With Mom & Sister & Friend
Young Dorothy Dandridge With Mom & Sister & Friend
Ruby Dandridge, Dorothy Dandridge & Vivian Dandridge
Ruby Dandridge, Dorothy Dandridge & Vivian Dandridge

Dorothy started performing in church at the age of 4 years old, and as a result, didn’t have a formal education.

 

She was one half of the performing duo, the Wonder Children

 

The other half was her sister, Vivian Dandridge.

 

At the time, Ruby was intimately involved with Geneva Williams, also known as “Neva.” 

 

She became a caretaker to the girls while Ruby worked and acted as manager for the signing duo.

 

The Great Crash of 1929 forced the duo to retire.

 

Undeterred, in her quest for stardom, Ruby and Neva moved the family to Hollywood.

The Dandridge Sisters (1934-1939) - Dorothy Dandridge, Vivian Dandridge, & Etta Jones

Etta Jones, Dorothy Dandridge, & Vivian Dandridge
Etta Jones, Dorothy Dandridge, & Vivian Dandridge
The Dandridge Sisters On Stage
The Dandridge Sisters On Stage
The Dandridge Sisters Signed Photo
The Dandridge Sisters Signed Photo

In 1934, the singing duo welcomed a third member – Etta Jones – and became the singing trio “The Dandridge Sisters.

 

The trio was a success.

 

They performed in several films and in the renowned nightclub Cotton Club of New York City in 1938.

 

It was here that she met Harold Nicholas, a lady’s man, showbusiness vet, and ½ of the performing duo the Nicholas Brothers.

The Dandridge Sisters
The Dandridge Sisters
Cotton Club Ad Featuring The Nicholas Brothers
Cotton Club Ad Featuring The Nicholas Brothers

GENEVA "NEVA" WILLIAMS, MANAGER TO THE DANDRIDGE SISTERS

Neva continued her role as manager, this time to The Dandridge Sisters.

 

She was known for her harsh temperament and oppressive nature.

 

As Dorthey grew up, she became a great beauty and attracted a lot of attention. This caused Neva to become incredibly obsessive.

 

In 1939, The Dandridge Sisters were invited to perform at the Palladium in London.

 

Neva was their only escort.

It was during this trip that she took advantage of her position as caretaker and abused Dorothy.

 

This led Dorothy to distance herself from this group and declare her independence in order to go solo as a singer and actress.

 

Dorothy was only 16 at the time. 

Harold Nicholas - First Love & Marriage (1941)

Nicholas Brothers - Dancing On Stage With Dorothy Dandridge
Nicholas Brothers - Dancing On Stage With Dorothy Dandridge

 

By 1941, Dorothy was engaged to Harold Nicholas.

 

At the time, The Nicholas Brothers were cast as a performing number in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. 

 

Harold convinced the studio executives to cast Dorothy as well, citing that she would add talent and sex appeal to their number Chattanooga Chu-chu.

 

This was one of Dorothy’s big breaks.

 

Dorothy and Harold married on September 6, 1942. 

 

She was just a few weeks away from turning 20. He was 22.

 

Their marriage had a rocky start.

 

In an interview many years later, Harold Nicholas explains that he was just a boy trying to act like a man.

 

 

This is to say that his wandering eye didn’t stop after he married Dorothy. 

Neither did his love for golf. 

His disinterest led Dorothy to self-medicate on occasion. 

Harold Nicholas. - Nicholas Brothers - Stormy Weather
Harold Nicholas. - Nicholas Brothers - Stormy Weather
Dorothy & Harold Nicholas On Horseback
Dorothy & Harold Nicholas On Horseback
Dorothy Dandridge And Harold Nicholas
Dorothy Dandridge And Harold Nicholas
Dorothy Dandridge  And Harold Nicholas Dancing
Dorothy Dandridge – And Harold Nicholas Dancing

Dorothy & Harold Welcome A Baby Girl!

Dorothy Dandridge, Daughter & Ruby
Dorothy Dandridge, Harolyn Nicholas, & Ruby Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge with Ruby Dandridge, & Daughter Harolyn
Dorothy Dandridge with Ruby Dandridge, & Daughter Harolyn

HAROLYN SUZANNE NICHOLAS (1943)

On September 2, 1943, Dorothy gave birth to her only daughter, Harolyn Suzanne Nicholas.

 

On the day of her birth, Harold was playing golf.

 

Dorothy determined to find him, asked her loved ones to look for him instead of taking her to the hospital. 

 

By the time she reached the hospital, without Harold, her baby was on the way. 

Dorothy Dandridge & Harolyn Playing with Bubbles
Dorothy Dandridge & Harolyn Playing with Bubbles

Harolyn Suzanne Nicholas was born with cerebral anoxia – which is when the brain is completely deprived of oxygen. The result was brain damage.

 

She couldn’t recognize people, not even her parents.

 

This caused Dorothy great heartache. 

 

She blamed herself for waiting too long to give birth.

 

While initially the birth of Harolyn strengthened their marriage, once symptoms of Harolyn’s condition started showing up, Harold started traveling frequently in search of answers for his daughter’s condition.

Dorothy Dandridge & Her Daughter, Harolyn Nicholas
Dorothy Dandridge And Her Daughter, Harolyn Nicholas
Dorothy Dandridge, Harolyn Dandridge & Harold Nicholas
Dorothy Dandridge, Harolyn Dandridge & Harold Nicholas
Dorothy Dandridge with Harolyn - Group Photo
Dorothy Dandridge with Harolyn - Group Photo 

Dorothy Dandridge: Back To Work & On Her Own (1948)

Article: Chills Run Up And Down "Her" Spine
Article: Chills Run Up And Down "Her" Spine
Dorothy Dandridge - Performing
Dorothy Dandridge - Performing 
Dorothy Dandridge - The High Price Of Stardom
Dorothy Dandridge - The High Price Of Stardom

In 1948, Dorothy asked for a divorce. It was finalized in 1951.

 

Dorothy returned to work, given that she needed help with Harolyn’s care.

 

In 1948, she attended the Actors Laboratory in Hollywood, one of the top acting schools in America – and became one of the first black students.

 

She soon started working with Phil Moore, a jazz musician she met while performing in the Cotton Club with The Dandridge Sisters.

 

He helped her establish her glamorous onstage presence. 

 

He also coached her with her singing and dancing.

 

With his help, she became a great on-stage performer.

Dorothy singing & jazz musician, Phil Moore, playing piano in the background.
Dorothy is singing & jazz musician Phil Moore plays piano in the background.

Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, & Bright Road (1953)

In 1953, she starred alongside Harry Belafonte in Bright Road, which featured an all-black cast and Dorothy as a first-year elementary school teacher trying to reach out to a problematic student. 

 

This acting role was far removed from her onstage persona and received great accolades.

Bright Road (1953) - Still
Bright Road (1953) - Still

DOROTHY’S GRAND AMBITION - BEING A WIFE AND MOTHER

It was around this time when, again, she began self-medicating.

 

Yes, she’d experienced great career success, but more than anything, she wanted to fill the role of wife and mother. 

 

That was one of her life’s grand ambitions, but most of her relationships were short-lived and mired given that interracial relationships, which she had a few, were unacceptable and condemned at the time.

 

This heartache, paired with her guilt over Harolyn’s condition, was often too much for her, but she always seemed to overcome it.

Dorothy Dandridge & Harolyn Playing with Bubbles
Dorothy Dandridge & Harolyn Playing with Bubbles

Rise To Stardom: Carmen Jones (1954) & Academy Award Nomination

Carmen Jones (1954)
Carmen Jones (1954)
Dorothy Dandridge & Harry Belafonte - Carmen Jones
Dorothy Dandridge & Harry Belafonte - Carmen Jones
Dorothy Dandridge as Carmen Jones
Dorothy Dandridge as Carmen Jones
Dorothy Dandridge cheering for her man in Carmen Jones
Dorothy Dandridge cheering for her man in Carmen Jones

In 1954, after great determination, Dorothy was cast as Carmen Jones in the movie adaptation of Carmen Jones – originally a Broadway musical.

 

While the films’ musical numbers were dubbed for Dorothy – the director sought an opera singer instead of Dorothy’s melodic voice – Dorothy’s performance was riveting.

 

This performance catapulted her to A-List stardom and won her an Oscar nomination.

 

This nomination marked a historical moment. 

 

This was the first time an African American had been nominated for an academy for a leading role.

 

Her rivals were:

  • WINNER – Grace Kelly – The Country Girl

  • Judy Garland – A Star Is Born

  • Audrey Hepburn – Sabrina

  • Jane Wyman – Magnificent Obsession

Carmen Jones Flirting
Carmen Jones Flirting
Dorothy Dandridge & Harry Belafonte Jet Magazine
Dorothy Dandridge & Harry Belafonte Jet Magazine
Dorothy Dandridge as Carmen Jones on the cover of LIFE MAGAZINE
Dorothy Dandridge as Carmen Jones on the cover of LIFE MAGAZINE
Dorothy Dandridge -Article about her screen test for Carmen Jones
Dorothy Dandridge -Article about her screen test for Carmen Jones

Dating Otto Preminger, Director of Carmen Jones

Otto Preminger & Dorothy Dancing
Otto Preminger & Dorothy Dancing
Dorothy Celebrating with Otto Preminger & Vivian Dandridge
Dorothy Celebrating with Otto Preminger & Vivian Dandridge
Otto & Dorothy Celebrating
Otto & Dorothy Celebrating

Following this film’s success, Dorothy and Otto Preminger, the director of Carmen Jones, dated for a few years.

 

At the time, he was separated from his wife but still married.

 

Controlling in nature, he insisted that Dorothy only take leading roles, which weren’t readily available. 

 

Eventually, offers dwindled.

 

While her star had dimmed, she shone brightly whenever given an opportunity.

 

For example, her performance in Island in the Sun (1957) received great reviews, as did her work in the movie Porgy and Bess (1959).

 

 The latter role provided her with a nomination for a Golden Globe.

Island In The Sun - Dorothy Dandridge - On Set
Island In The Sun - Dorothy Dandridge - On Set

 
Island In The Sun - Dorothy Dandridge - On Set
Island In The Sun - Dorothy Dandridge - On Set

 
Dorothy Dandridge – Toning for Porgy & Bess
Dorothy Dandridge – Toning for Porgy & Bess
Dorothy Dandridge - Afraid of Marriage
Dorothy Dandridge - Afraid of Marriage

Second chance at happily ever after (1959)—Dorothy marries Jack Denison, Businessman

Dorothy Dandridge married Jack Denison, a hotel owner who’d pursued her extensively in 1959.

 

Through this marriage, she hoped to finally leave the limelight and settle down with her husband and family.

 

Again, it wasn’t meant to be. 

Soon after the wedding, she learned that he had massive debt and that he would need her to perform in his hotel, which she did.

 

Not only did he provide her with financial strain, but he also proved to be incredibly possessive and violent.

In 1962, they divorced & soon after filed for bankruptcy.

Jack Denison & Dorothy Celebrating
Jack Denison & Dorothy Celebrating
Dorothy Dandridge outside bankruptcy court
Dorothy Dandridge outside bankruptcy court

Dorothy Dandridge: Gone too soon…

Following her divorce, she sold her Hollywood home, placed her daughter in a mental institution, and moved into a small apartment.

 

Again, she began self-medicating and spoke cryptically about her life.

 

Dorothy passed away on September 8, 1965, due to an overdose of antidepressants.

 

A few days earlier, she’d signed up to play in two films by producer Raul Fernandez.

 

This is just one reason why some believe that her death was foul play. 

Dorothy Dandridge Enjoying The Sun
Dorothy Dandridge Enjoying The Sun
Actress-Singer Dorothy Dandridge Found Dead In Hollywood Home
Actress-Singer Dorothy Dandridge Found Dead In Hollywood Home
The Death & Life Of Dorothy
The Death & Life Of Dorothy
Who Was The Real Dorothy Dandridge - Ebony
Who Was The Real Dorothy Dandridge - Ebony

 
Dorothy Dandridge Inspired Jewelry
Dorothy Dandridge Inspired Jewelry

Designing Vintage-Inspired Jewelry for Dorothy Dandridge in Bright Road and Carmen Jones (VIDEO)

Dorothy Dandridge in Bright Road as a new teacher, Miss. Richards.
Dorothy Dandridge in Bright Road as a new teacher, Miss. Richards.

"I wanted any black girl in the audience to look at me performing in this film and be able to say to herself, 'Why, this schoolteacher could be me.'"

Dorothy Dandridge

I watched a few of her movies to derive greater inspiration for a unique piece of jewelry inspired by Dorothy Dandridge.

Bright Road (1953): Movie adaptation of “See How They Run” by Mary Elizabeth Vroman

Bright Road - A New Star Is Born
Bright Road - A New Star Is Born
BRIGHT ROAD - Miss Richards & CJ
BRIGHT ROAD - Miss Richards & CJ
BRIGHT ROAD: Miss Richards teaching CJ
BRIGHT ROAD: Miss Richards teaching CJ

First, I watched Bright Road. 

 

Little did I know, but this was a book-to-movie adaptation. 

 

The source material was written by an African-American teacher who wrote a series of short stories relating to her personal experience.

 

The film was a wonderful black-and-white production featuring an all-black cast.

 

I loved it. 

 

I found it inspirational, beautifully shot, and something that a modern audience would also appreciate.

BRIGHT ROAD - Miss Richards & CJ
BRIGHT ROAD - Miss Richards & CJ
Bright Road - Miss Richards with the town doctor
Bright Road - Miss Richards with the town doctor
BRIGHT ROAD: CJ Walking Home
BRIGHT ROAD: CJ Walking Home
Dorothy Dandridge behind the scenes with Harry Belafonte - BRIGHT ROAD
Dorothy Dandridge behind the scenes with Harry Belafonte - BRIGHT ROAD

Carmen Jones (1954): Best Actress Award Nominee & Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Bright Road - Miss Richards with the town doctor
Bright Road - Miss Richards with the town doctor
BRIGHT ROAD: CJ Walking Home
BRIGHT ROAD: CJ Walking Home

I found the following excerpts on Wikipedia relating to Bright Road especially interesting:

 

Bright Road was not commercially successful [3] and was criticized for having "dealt too timidly with racial and economic questions."[4] Dandridge, however, had been specifically attracted to the lack of racial conflict in Bright Road's story. She wrote that she was "profoundly fond of ... a theme which showed that beneath any color skin, people were simply people. I had a feeling that themes like this might do more real good than the more hard-hitting protest pictures. I wanted any black girl in the audience to look at me performing in this film and be able to say to herself, 'Why, this schoolteacher could be me.'"

"See How They Run" by Mary Elizabeth Vroman (1951)

"See How They Run" was Mary Elizabeth Vroman's first published short story, written while she was a schoolteacher in rural Alabama. First published in Ladies' Home Journal in 1951, it also appeared in Ebony magazine in 1952. When Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer purchased the rights to adapt the story to film, Vroman helped write the screenplay, and as a result, became the first black member of the Screen Writers Guild.[2]

Mary Elizabeth Vroman on the cover of JET
Mary Elizabeth Vroman on the cover of JET
Wedding Bells for Mary Elizabeth Vroman
Wedding Bells for Mary Elizabeth Vroman

Carmen Jones (1954): Best Actress Award Nominee & Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Carmen Jones In Red Skirt & Black Top
Carmen Jones In Red Skirt & Black Top
Carmen Jones in Pink Dress
Carmen Jones in Pink Dress

Following Bright Road, I watched Carmen Jones.

 

This film was made up of an almost entirely all-black cast.

 

I loved watching a sassier version of Dorothy bringing Carmen Jones to life.

The costumes were amazing—everything from the military uniforms to glamourous gowns – 5/5 stars.

 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t as big a fan of this film – which was a bit of a surprise to me as I generally love this kind of film. 

 

My biggest complaint would be the dubbing of Dorothy’s musical parts. 

They were distracting, and given that there was quite a bit of singing, it took me out of the story frequently.

 

I think Otto Preminger, the director of Carmen Jones, would have been better off using Dorothy’s musical talents instead of hiring a trained opera singer.

 

Unsurprisingly, many critics also struggled with the dubbing. 

CASTING DOROTHY AS CARMEN JONES (1954)

Otto Preminger & Carmen Jones Cast - ON SET
Otto Preminger & Carmen Jones Cast - ON SET
Otto Preminger & Carmen Jones Cast
Otto Preminger & Carmen Jones Cast

After watching Carmen Jones, I wanted to know more and was quite surprised to find that Dorothy wasn’t Otto Preminger’s first pick, given that she was “a beautiful butterfly” – but not Carmen.

 

Incredible.

 

According to Wikipedia, Otto needed further convincing & Dorothy delivered via an exceptional portrayal of Carmen. 

 

Here's the excerpt from Wikipedia: 

 

Preminger was familiar with Dorothy Dandridge but felt she was incapable of exuding the sultry sex appeal the role of Carmen demanded, particularly after having seen Dandridge's performance as a demure schoolteacher opposite Belafonte in Bright Road (1953).[16] Her agent's office was in the same building where Preminger's brother Ingo worked, and he asked Ingo to intercede on his client's behalf. At his first meeting with Dandridge, Preminger told her she was "lovely" and looked like a "model" or "a beautiful butterfly," but not Carmen,[17] and suggested she audition for the role of Cindy Lou. Dandridge took the script and left, and when she returned she was dressed and behaved exactly as Preminger envisioned Carmen. The director was impressed enough to schedule a screen test for mid-May, after Dandridge completed a singing engagement in St. Louis. In the interim he cast Juilliard School graduate Olga James as Cindy Lou.[18]

Vintage-Inspired Crystal Bracelet & Brooch for Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge Inspired Bracelet
Dorothy Dandridge Inspired Bracelet

“It is easily overlooked that what is now called vintage was once brand new.”

Tony Visconti

Designing A Glamourous Bracelet Inspired by Dorothy's Onstage Presence

Green Crystal Bracelet - Before and After
Green Crystal Bracelet - Before and After
Green Crystal Bracelet Inspired by Dorothy
Green Crystal Bracelet Inspired by Dorothy

The second piece I designed with Dorothy in mind is this enchanting green crystal bracelet. 

 

Accented with back beads and embroidery, I had visions of her performing in a nightclub in one of her snake-like dresses, holding her microphone, and showing off this elegant bracelet. 

 

Too much?

 

I don’t think so. 

 

The more I learn of Dorothy, the more I love her. 

 

My biggest dream in life was to find the love of my life as well. 

I’m just so sad she didn’t get to that place in her life. 

 

I genuinely think she would have succeeded had she had a bit more time. 

 

As for this piece, it’s dedicated to the one and only Dorothy Dandridge.

 

What do you think?

Green Crystal Bracelet
Green Crystal Bracelet 
Dazzling Green Crystal Bracelet
Dazzling Green Crystal Bracelet

Conclusion

I know I’ve only scratched the surface of all that her life entailed, but I am so excited to dive deeper into her story in the future.

 

* If you know that any part of these excerpts is false, please let me know. You can reach me via email: lovealways@kaleidoscopesandpolkadots.com or via a direct message on Facebook or Instagram.

Resources

For a full list of resources, click here: 

Jessica Gonzalez - Leading Lady Of Kaleidoscopes And Polka Dots

Jessica Gonzalez Gibson

Leading Lady of Kaleidoscopes And Polka Dots

 

History & fashion enthusiast - I love exploring how fashion and history interconnect across the world.