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Who Was the First Black Woman to Star in a Broadway Play?

Ethel Waters was a groundbreaking African-American singer and actress. Born in 1896, she rose above a tragic childhood in Philadelphia to perform in radio, TV, movies and theater. She was even nominated for two Academy Awards. Waters achieved several milestones as a female black performer. Discover a list of her many Broadway firsts.

  1. Debut

    • Waters made her first Broadway appearance in 1927 at the Palace Theater, performing in "Africana."

    Starring Role

    • In 1931, Waters starred on Broadway in the musical "Rhapsody in Black."

    Casting Breakthrough

    • In 1933, she became the first black woman to appear with an all-white cast in the musical "As Thousands Cheer."

    Dramatic Role

    • Waters played Hagar in "Mamba's Daughters" in 1939, her first dramatic role on Broadway and another first for black women. She received 17 curtain calls on opening night.

    Accolades

    • New York Drama Critics named Waters as Best Actress for Broadway's "The Member of the Wedding" in 1950.

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