# Hattie McDaniel

> American actress (1893-1952)

**Wikidata**: [Q228904](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q228904)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hattie_McDaniel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hattie-mcdaniel

## Summary
Hattie McDaniel was an American actress (1893–1952) best known for her groundbreaking role as Mammy in *Gone with the Wind* (1939), which made her the first Black performer to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her work broke racial barriers in Hollywood and paved the way for future Black actors in film.

## Biography
- Born: June 10, 1893
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended Wiley College (now Wiley College of Wichita State University)
- Known for: Pioneering Black representation in Hollywood and winning the first Oscar for a Black performer
- Employer(s): OKeh Records, various film studios
- Field(s): Acting, music, philanthropy

## Contributions
- **Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (1940)**: Won for her role as Mammy in *Gone with the Wind*, marking a historic milestone for Black actors in Hollywood.
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)**: Recognized with a star for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
- **Colorado Women's Hall of Fame Induction**: Honored for her achievements and advocacy.
- **Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame Induction**: Celebrated as a trailblazer in Black cinema.

## FAQs
**What was Hattie McDaniel's most famous role?**
Hattie McDaniel gained fame for her role as Mammy in *Gone with the Wind* (1939), which earned her the first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress won by a Black performer.

**Where did Hattie McDaniel work?**
She worked with OKeh Records and appeared in films produced by various studios, including those that supported her career during Hollywood's segregation era.

**What awards did Hattie McDaniel receive?**
She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, was inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame, the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

**What impact did Hattie McDaniel have on Hollywood?**
Her Oscar win broke racial barriers in the film industry, inspiring future generations of Black actors and contributing to the growing recognition of Black talent in Hollywood.

## Why They Matter
Hattie McDaniel's Oscar win in 1940 was a landmark moment in Hollywood history, challenging the racial segregation of the era. Her achievement paved the way for greater representation of Black actors and actresses in film, influencing future generations of performers. Her legacy continues to be celebrated as a symbol of resilience and progress in the entertainment industry.

## Notable For
- First Black performer to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame
- Recognized in the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame
- Pioneered Black representation in Hollywood during segregation

## Body
### Early Life
Hattie McDaniel was born on June 10, 1893, in Wichita, Kansas. She attended Wiley College, now part of Wichita State University, where she developed her singing and acting skills. Her early career began in vaudeville and on Broadway, where she performed in musicals and revues.

### Career in Music and Acting
McDaniel worked with OKeh Records, a prominent record label, and released several singles. Her musical talent led her to Hollywood, where she began appearing in films. She was cast in supporting roles in several productions, often playing maids or servants, a common stereotype for Black actresses at the time.

### Breakthrough Role in *Gone with the Wind*
Her most famous role was as Mammy in *Gone with the Wind* (1939). The film's success made her a household name, and her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This historic win was a significant moment for Black actors in Hollywood, breaking racial barriers and inspiring future generations.

### Awards and Recognition
McDaniel's achievements were widely recognized. She received the Academy Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and induction into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame and the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. Her work continues to be celebrated as a pivotal moment in the history of film.

### Legacy and Influence
Hattie McDaniel's legacy endures as a trailblazer in Hollywood. Her Oscar win opened doors for other Black actors and actresses, contributing to the growing recognition of Black talent in the film industry. Her story remains an important part of the history of racial representation in entertainment.

### Personal Life and Death
McDaniel married twice and had two children. She passed away on October 26, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. Her contributions to film and her advocacy for racial equality continue to be remembered and honored.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
2. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1940)
3. [Source](https://www.cogreatwomen.org/project/hattie-mcdaniel/)
4. Notable Black American Women
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. SNAC
10. Find a Grave
11. FemBio database
12. [Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/actors/hattie-mcdaniel)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. CONOR.SI
15. BBC Things