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African-American Firsts: Film & TV
From stereotypical roles as maids and cooks to Academy Award-winning performances in blockbuster movies, African-Americans have come a long way in the world of film and TV. Early stars like Sidney Portier and Hattie McDaniel may have been the first actors to win awards for their stellar performances, but modern-day actors such as Denzel Washington and Halle Berry are still breaking new ground as the first African-Americans to win Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes in certain categories. Learn about the African-American actors who became the first to change the fabric film and TV with their dramatic performances.
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See all African-American Firsts: Film & TV (18)
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Oprah Winfrey
- In these groups:
- Million-Dollar Ideas
- Female Talk Show Hosts
- Weight Loss Winners
Oprah Winfrey
Film Actress, Entrepreneur, Producer, Philanthropist, Talk Show Host, Television Producer / 1954 -
In 1986, Oprah Winfrey became the first black female host of a nationally syndicated daily talk show with the premiere of The Oprah Winfrey Show. In 2003, Winfrey became the first black female billionaire in the United States.
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Sidney Poitier
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Celebrity Enlistees
- Best Actor Oscar Winners
Sidney Poitier
Film Actor, Filmmaker / 1927 -
In 1963, Sidney Poitier became the first black actor to win an Academy Award in a leading role for his part in the film Lilies of the Field.
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Bill Cosby
- In these groups:
- Black Comedians
- Celebrity Enlistees
- The Ed Sullivan Show Guests
Bill Cosby
Film Actor, Television Actor, Comedian, Television Producer / 1937 -
Bill Cosby is an American comedian, actor and producer, who has played a major role in the development of more positive portrayal of African-Americans on television.
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Denzel Washington
- In these groups:
- Hollywood Heartthrobs
- Famous Celebrity Couples
- Sober Celebs
Denzel Washington
Film Actor / 1954 -
Former star of the hit TV drama St. Elsewhere, actor/director Denzel Washington has earned popular and critical acclaim for his roles in several feature films, including Training Day and American Gangster.
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Tyler Perry
- In these groups:
- African-American Firsts: Film & TV
- Famous Virgoans
- Famous Actors
Tyler Perry
Film Actor, Entrepreneur, Filmmaker, Playwright, Screenwriter / 1969 -
Writer, actor, producer, and director Tyler Perry has built an entertainment empire that consists of successful films, plays, and a best-selling book.
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Whoopi Goldberg
- In these groups:
- Black Comedians
- U.N. Goodwill Ambassadors
- Female Talk Show Hosts
Whoopi Goldberg
Film Actress, Television Actress, Comedian, Talk Show Host / 1955 -
Whoopi Goldberg is a Grammy-Award winning comedienne, an actress, a human rights advocate, and TV host of the daytime talk show The View.
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blog comments powered by Disqusprofile name: Oprah Winfrey profile occupation: Film Actress, Entrepreneur, Producer, Philanthropist, Talk Show Host, Television Producer
profile id: 9258468
profile name: Bill Cosby profile occupation: Film Actor, Television Actor, Comedian, Television Producer
profile id: 9524687
profile name: Denzel Washington profile occupation: Film Actor
profile id: 9443345
profile name: Sidney Poitier profile occupation: Film Actor, Filmmaker
profile id: 361274
profile name: Tyler Perry profile occupation: Film Actor, Entrepreneur, Filmmaker, Playwright, Screenwriter
profile id: 9314384
profile name: Whoopi Goldberg profile occupation: Film Actress, Television Actress, Comedian, Talk Show Host
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