Nina Mae McKinney was an American actress who is best known for Hallelujah, Pinky, and Dark Waters. Born on June 12, 1912, in Lancaster, South Carolina, she gained fame in both film and theater during a time when opportunities for black actresses were limited.
Personal and Family Life
Nina Mae McKinney was born Nannie Mayme McKinney to Hal and Georgia McKinney. After her parents moved to New York City, she lived with her great-aunt, Carrie Sanders, in South Carolina before joining her mother. At around 13, she took the stage name Nina Mae and began her career as a chorus girl in the Broadway show “Blackbirds,” showcasing her impressive talents early on.
Career
After gaining the attention of MGM producer King Vidor, Nina starred in Hallelujah (1929), which was notable for being the first all-black sound musical. Despite being signed to a contract with MGM, she only appeared in a few films during that time. However, she found more success on stage, performing in various European cities and earning the nickname “The Black Garbo.” Nina struggled to find prominent roles for black actresses in Hollywood but continued to share her talent overseas.
Death and Legacy
Nina Mae McKinney passed away on May 3, 1967, in New York City due to a heart attack. Although her death went largely unrecognized by the media, she remains a significant figure in the history of black cinema. In her hometown, a mural featuring her likeness honors her contributions to the arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Waters | 1944-11-21 | Florella |
| Safe in Hell | 1931-12-12 | Leonie |
| Hallelujah | 1929-08-20 | Chick |
| The Devil’s Daughter | 1939-12-17 | Isabelle Walton |
| Danger Street | 1947-06-20 | Veronica |
| The Lonely Trail | 1936-05-25 | Dancer (uncredited) |
| Pie, Pie Blackbird | 1932-06-03 | Miss Nina |
| The Black Network | 1936-04-04 | Nina Mae – Radio Singer |
| Reckless | 1935-04-19 | Nina Mae McKinney – Singer |
| Sanders of the River | 1935-05-10 | Lilongo |
| Together Again | 1944-12-23 | Maid in Nightclub Powder Room (uncredited) |
| Night Train to Memphis | 1946-07-12 | Maid |
| Pinky | 1949-09-28 | Rozelia |
| Gang Smashers | 1938-12-30 | Laura Jackson |
| Kentucky Minstrels | 1934-11-01 | |
| They Learned About Women | 1930-01-30 | Specialty Singer – Harlem Madness |
| Blood Money | 1933-11-17 | Rebecca, Ruby’s maid (uncredited) |
| What Price Jazz | 1934-05-28 | Dancer |
| Straight to Heaven | 1939-12-12 | Ida Williams |
| The Power of the Whistler | 1945-04-19 | Flotilda |
| Mantan Messes Up | 1946-01-01 | Nina |
| Copper Canyon | 1950-11-15 | Theresa |
| Swanee Showboat | 1940-01-23 |