The Black Garbo

Name:
Nina Mae McKinney

Nickname/Alias/ Nom de guerre: 
"The Black Garbo" (a reference to international movie star/ icon Greta Garbo)

Born: 
June 13, 1912/Lancaster, South Carolina

Died: 
May 3, 1967/New York City, New York

Occupation: 
Actress

What Makes Her Bitchin’: 
Dubbed “The Black Garbo” for her smoldering good looks, Nina got her start on Broadway before heading to Hollywood. Recruited by MGM, she became the first African-American actress cast in a leading role in a mainstream motion picture, and the first black movie star to sign a long-term contract with a major studio.

Betcha’ Didn't Know:
Later, during the 1930s and post-war era, she performed internationally in theatre, film, and television. In Great Britain, Nina became one of the first African-Americans to appear on T.V.

To watch Nina struttin’ her stuff, check-out: