The First Black Movie Star: Nina Mae McKinney

It’s been a while since I gave a black history tidbit, so I figured since my post on Donyale Luna, the first black supermodel, was so popular, I would follow up with the first black movie star, Nina Mae McKinney.

Before Dorothy Dandridge or Lena Horne, there was Nina Mae McKinney. During her day, she was a sought after actress with popularity that compared to Josephine Baker in both the US and Europe, making her the first black international star in movies at a time when there were no leading roles for black actresses.

During the height of her career, she was called “The Black Garbo” after actress Greta Garbo, one of the most popular actresses at that time. Nina’s most noted movie was Hallelujah! in 1929, which was one of the first all black films by a major movie studio, when she was only 17.

Known for her big, bright eyes and charismatic, full of life personality, she became the first black movie star, sex symbol, and recognized beautiful black actress by not only the black community, but also by Hollywood.

Unfortunately she is not recognized in the same regard as Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge, but if I had it my way, I think there should be a movie made for her life….and for some reason think that Zoe Kravitz would be a good match to star as Nina.

For more on Nina, click here or check out this myspace page dedicated to her.

That Chick…..The Originators

I have been in love with Vanity 6, Apollonia 6 and all of Prince’s proteges since I was little….little like too young to walk around singing about doing it on the limousine floor….but I still turned out ok….(rethinking that comment…this explains everything).

More than 20 years after Purple Rain’s release, you can still see the influence of Vanity, Prince and Appolonia in videos like Sexual Eruption by Snoop….making me not feel so bad that I still play the hell out of Nasty Girl and Sex Shooter like its still 1984.

Although I may not go out of the house in a tuxedo jacket and a teddy, I still love the 80’s glam that both Vanity 6 and Appolonia 6 are known for.

The name Vanity came from Prince saying lead singer Denise Matthews reminded him of looking in the mirror at a female version of himself…..heels and all I’m guessing.

 

The 6 came from the 3 members breast count……….yes, if Prince is not a freak I don’t know who is.

 

Right before the filming of Purple Rain, Vanity left the group, leaving the role to Appolonia. 

My favorite picture of Vanity 6…80’s glamour at it’s best.

Vanity 6 in their signature lingerie.

Appolonia rocking signature gloves and a corset.