Juanita Hall was an American actress known for her roles in “South Pacific,” “Flower Drum Song,” and other productions. She made history as the first African American actress to win a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1950.
Personal and Family Life
Born on November 6, 1901, in Keyport, New Jersey, Juanita was raised by her maternal grandparents after being orphaned at a young age. She had a brief marriage to actor Clement Hall, which ended in divorce, and the couple had no children. Hall was trained at Juilliard, which laid a strong foundation for her career in performing arts.
Career Highlights
Hall became prominent in Broadway, known especially for her role as Bloody Mary in “South Pacific,” where she performed 1,925 times. She also was active in the music scene, releasing an album “Juanita Hall Sings the Blues” in 1958. She reprised her role in the film adaptation of “South Pacific,” although another singer provided her character’s vocals due to concerns about her voice.
Death and Legacy
Juanita Hall passed away on February 28, 1968, at the age of 66 due to complications from diabetes. Despite her struggles with health towards the end of her life, her legacy continues to be celebrated, particularly as a trailblazer for African American performers in theater and film.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Flower Drum Song | 1961-11-09 | ‘Auntie’ Liang |
| South Pacific | 1958-03-18 | Bloody Mary |
| Paradise in Harlem | 1939-01-01 | Singer in Audience |
| Harlem Follies of 1949 | 1950-05-07 | |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – Singer |
| Hallmark Hall of Fame | 1951-12-24 | Bertha |
| Schlitz Playhouse of Stars | 1951-10-05 | Mammy Salby |
| Captain Billy’s Mississippi Music Hall | 1948-10-01 |