Hattie McDaniel (1893 – 1952) Detailed Biography

Hattie McDaniel was born on June 10, 1893, in Wichita, Kansas, to former slaves. She was the youngest of 13 children in her family. Her father, Henry McDaniel, fought in the Civil War, and her mother, Susan Holbert, was a domestic worker. The family moved to Denver, Colorado, where Hattie grew up.

Education and Early Talents

McDaniel demonstrated a flair for performing at a young age. She attended East High School in Denver and was active in school productions, showcasing her talents in singing and performing.

Start of Performing Career

Hattie's professional entertainment career began with her brother's minstrel show. In the 1920s, she was part of Professor George Morrison's orchestra and also performed on Denver radio stations, becoming one of the first African American women to sing on the radio.

Move to Hollywood

In 1931, amidst the Great Depression, McDaniel moved to Hollywood. She initially worked as a domestic worker and waitress, which was a common occupation for African American women at the time. However, she continued to pursue her passion for acting and singing.

Breakthrough in Hollywood

Her first film role was in "The Golden West" (1932), where she played a maid. She continued to be cast in similar roles, reflecting the limited opportunities for African American actors. Despite the typecasting, McDaniel's talent shone through, leading to more significant roles.

Oscar Win and Legacy

Hattie McDaniel's most famous role came in 1939 with "Gone with the Wind," where she played Mammy. Her portrayal won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1940, making her the first African American to win an Oscar. This win was a monumental moment in the history of American cinema but did not significantly change the roles available to her.

Personal Life and Marriages

McDaniel married four times. Her personal life, unfortunately, was marked by brief and sometimes troubled marriages. Her spouses included George Langford, Howard Hickman, James Lloyd Crawford, and Nym Lankfard.

Passions and Contributions

Beyond acting, McDaniel was passionate about civil rights and used her position to speak against racial discrimination. She was also a professional singer-songwriter and a radio performer, showcasing her versatile talents.

Death and Cause of Death

Hattie McDaniel passed away on October 26, 1952, due to breast cancer. She was 59 years old. Her death marked the end of an era in American cinema but left behind a legacy that would inspire future generations of African American actors and artists.

Posthumous Recognition

In her will, McDaniel expressed the desire to be buried in Hollywood Cemetery. However, due to segregation policies, her wish was not granted. She was interred at Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery. In 1999, a cenotaph was erected in Hollywood Forever Cemetery in her honor, symbolically fulfilling her wish.

Hattie McDaniel receiving her Oscar in 1940: Hattie McDaniel’s Marriages:

Hattie McDaniel's personal life, particularly her marriages, was as complex and challenging as her professional life. She was married four times, and each marriage played a significant role in her life story:

George Langford (1922)

McDaniel's first marriage was to George Langford in 1922. Unfortunately, this marriage was short-lived. Langford died shortly after the marriage, reportedly of a gunshot wound, under circumstances that remain somewhat unclear.
 

Howard Hickman (date unknown)

Details about her marriage to Howard Hickman are sparse. This marriage also ended in divorce. The dates of their marriage and divorce are not well-documented, which is indicative of the private nature with which McDaniel treated her personal life.
 

James Lloyd Crawford (1941)

McDaniel married James Lloyd Crawford in 1941, after reportedly making him sign a contract that said, "No grievance whatsoever against my career." This marriage was said to be turbulent and marked by public disputes. Despite its challenges, this marriage lasted until McDaniel's death in 1952.
 

Nym Lankfard (divorced)

The details regarding her marriage to Nym Lankfard are again quite scarce. Like her other marriages, it ended in divorce. The timeline and specifics of their relationship are not well-documented in historical records.

Hattie McDaniel's acting style was a remarkable blend of warmth, authenticity, and a subtle, yet powerful, presence that made her stand out even in supporting roles. Her performances were characterized by several distinctive elements:

Nuanced Emotional Range

McDaniel had a unique ability to portray a wide range of emotions. In her most famous role as Mammy in "Gone with the Wind," she displayed a multifaceted character, shifting seamlessly from moments of stern authority to scenes of gentle care and concern. This emotional versatility was a hallmark of her acting style.

Comedic Timing

Her background in vaudeville and radio greatly influenced her sense of comedic timing. McDaniel could deliver lines with a sharp wit and a sense of timing that brought both humor and depth to her characters. Her comedic skills were especially evident in her interactions with other characters, where she often provided a light-hearted counterpoint to more serious themes.

Dignified Presence

Despite the stereotypical and limited roles available to her as an African American actress during that era, McDaniel brought a sense of dignity and strength to her characters. She often played maids or servants, roles steeped in the racial prejudices of the time. Yet, she infused these characters with a sense of humanity and resilience, challenging the one-dimensional stereotypes they could have easily become.

Vocal Expression

McDaniel's background as a singer contributed to her expressive use of her voice in acting. She used her vocal range effectively to convey emotion, authority, or tenderness, depending on the demands of the role. Her voice became one of her most powerful tools in her acting repertoire.

Physicality

Her physical presence on screen was commanding yet nuanced. McDaniel understood how to use body language and facial expressions to communicate her characters' emotions and thoughts, often adding layers of meaning to her performances.

Impact on Scenes

Even in supporting roles, McDaniel had the ability to leave a lasting impact on scenes. She often stole the spotlight with her charismatic presence, turning potentially minor parts into memorable and significant contributions to the films.

Cultural Significance

Beyond her technical skills, McDaniel's performances held a deeper cultural significance. As one of the few African American actresses in mainstream Hollywood films at the time, she navigated the complex terrain of representing her race in an industry and society marked by deep-seated racial biases. Her portrayal of dignified, though often stereotyped, characters in the face of these challenges added a layer of socio-cultural commentary to her acting style.