Dorothy Dandridge

 Dorothy Dandridge had been knocking around show business for years when she actively campaigned for the title role in 1954's "Carmen Jones." As she was known only as a nightclub singer, director Otto Preminger did not believe she had the sultry soul of the character in her palette, especially when she showed up for her interview in long-stem white gloves. But the determined actress stormed his office for a second interview, dressed to type, and changed his mind on the spot. Initially thrilled by the prospect of playing one of the best film roles ever offered an African-American female, Dandridge quickly began to doubt her ability to do it justice. After several days, she told her agent to advise Preminger she was backing out of the project. The director drove to her apartment to reassure her and assuage her fears, and the two unexpectedly began a passionate affair.

Despite Dandridge's recognition as a singer, the studio wanted an operatic voice, so Dandridge's voice was dubbed by operatic vocalist Marilyn Horne for the film.

For her performance in this film, Dandridge became the first black actress to be Oscar nominated for Best Actress.

In France, theaters were not allowed to show this movie for more than 25 years because the heirs of the French librettists of the original opera "Carmen," sued Twentieth Century Fox for using different lyrics with Bizet's music.

Dandridge was pursued for the role of Tuptim in "The King and I" (1956), but turned it down on the advice of Preminger, who advised her not to accept a role in which she was not the star. Rita Moreno was subsequently cast in the role. Dandridge later regretted her decision, certain it had been instrumental in starting the slow but steady decline of her career.

Happy Birthday, Dorothy Dandridge!