Hattie McDaniel, 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in 1893 to formerly enslaved parents, became a pioneering figure in Hollywood, known for her talent in music and performance.
McDaniel faced significant challenges in her career, including racial discrimination, but achieved fame for her role as Mammy in “Gone With the Wind,” earning her the first Oscar awarded to an African-American performer in 1940.
Clark Gable, a leading star of the era, formed a close friendship with McDaniel, supporting her during their collaborations and advocating for her inclusion in Hollywood events despite segregation laws.
Despite her success, McDaniel faced criticism from some within the African-American community for accepting stereotypical roles, yet she believed her work would pave the way for future generations.
After her death in 1952, McDaniel was buried in Rosedale Cemetery, the first cemetery in Los Angeles open to all races, reflecting the racial barriers she encountered throughout her life.
In a recent gesture of recognition, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the replacement of McDaniel’s lost Oscar, returning it to Howard University, where it will honor her legacy.