Nina Mae McKinney

Nina Mae McKinney was an American actress that began her career in the major Hollywood studio production "Hallelujah," in 1929. She was 17 when she starred in the movie as the devious Jezebel. She was one of Hollywood's first African-American superstars. In the early 1930s, McKinney appeared as a singer or dancer in several films but earned a significant speaking part in the 1931 production, "Safe in Hell." The following year, she starred in the short film "Pie, Pie, Blackbird," featuring Eubie Blake and a young Harold and Fayard Nicholas (The Nicholas Brothers).

After easing her acting career with M.G.M. studios, McKinney spent some time in Europe. She appeared in the British Production "Sanders of the River" with Paul Robeson as the two actors portrayed African characters. In 1936, she starred in the short film "The Black Network," another variety show featuring her singing talents and other performers. By 1938, McKinney stopped starring in Hollywood productions and began acting in Race films. Her first role in these movies was the lead in "Gang Smashers," and then in 1939, she appeared in "The Devil's Daughter" and " Straight to Heaven." In the "Devil's Daughter," she played a voodoo priestess, one of the earliest entries of black women leads in a horror movie. Fredi Washington in "Love Wanga" and Laura Bowman in "Drums of Voodoo" proceeded in similar roles.

McKinney returned to Hollywood films in the 1940s but mostly had minor parts. She starred in the 1949 film "Pinky" before her acting career ended in 1950. She passed away on May 3, 1967, at 54 years old.

She had 25 acting credits and at least ten credits of her singing on film. Nina Mae Mckinney was a strong screen presence with an excellent singing and speaking voice. She had a combination of minor and meaningful roles. Her early pioneering achievements opened doors for many black actresses to follow.