March 8
BEULAH DAY
Because Louise Beavers, a talented actress, was born on this day in 1902 and not some fifty years later, she was forced to forever play the role of a maid. Louise, a member of the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, performed in a time when a black woman was stereotyped and unable to get choice roles.
Even in the part of a maid, she able to show the world that she was an extremely talented actress. One critic, Jimmie Fiddler, said her starring role in the film, Imitation of Life, was the finest performance of 1935.
Louise Beavers appeared in more than 125 films over a thirty-year period, including Tammy and the Bachelor [1957], The Jackie Robinson Story [1950], Dixie Jamboree [1944], Reap the Wild Wind [1942], General Spanky [1936] and Coquette [1929]. Yet, she is still best remembered for her role as Beulah, the maid, in the television series by the same name. The part was originally played by Ethel Waters. A major cast change was made in 1952 when actress Hattie McDaniels of Gone with the Wind fame was to replace Waters. McDaniels became ill and Louise Beavers took over. Beulah ended when Louise no longer wanted to play the part.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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