In 1939, creating the role of "Mammy" in "Gone with the Wind," Hattie McDaniel became one of the most significant figures in American film history. She was the first black actress to win an Oscar. However, this achievement did not provide her with equal rights and the decent treatment she deserved as a human being. didn't spare her from humiliation.
Hattie was born in 1893 in the state of Kansas. She was the daughter of a freed slave. In her childhood, she loved music and initially started her career as a professional singer. In the 1920s, she sang on the radio, and then moved to Los Angeles, where she entered the film industry through episodic roles.
A real turning point came through her culinary talents — those who saw her creativity while she was cooking helped introduce Hattie within Hollywood.
In 1939, Hattie played the role of "Mammy." She was invited to the casting on Clark Gable's recommendation. She came in her maid's dress and proved to be the ideal candidate for the role.
In 1940, McDaniel won the Oscar for "Best Supporting Actress." This was the first time in history that this award was given to a black actress.
However, this success did not protect the actress from racial discrimination. She was not allowed to attend the film's premiere in Atlanta due to laws. At the Oscar presentation, she was seated at a separate table in the corner — this showed that society still considered her a "second-class citizen."
Hattie McDaniel died of cancer in 1952. Her last wish was to be buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where stars are laid to rest. However, black people could not be buried there at the time. Thus, she was buried elsewhere. Only later, towards the end of the 20th century, was a cenotaph erected there in memory of Hattie.
