Louise Beavers
*This date recalls the birth of Louise Beavers in 1902. She was a Black film and television actress known for her character roles.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Beavers first drew attention as part of an act known as the "Lady Minstrels." Despite her theatrical abilities and inclinations, she went to Hollywood, not as a performer, but as the maid of actress Leatrice Joy. She soon, however, appeared on the silver screen, making her feature debut in Gold Diggers (1923). She continued to act in such other silent films as Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1927).
With the coming of sound films, Beavers’ career took off, and between 1929 and 1960, she appeared in more than 100 films. Although most often cast as the maid of the female star or the starring couple, she had an opportunity to play a role equal to Claudette Colbert’s in the first film version of Imitation of Life (1934), in which both women juggle the demands of single parenthood and careers. Like Hattie McDaniel and most other Black actors of the period, Beavers was limited to character roles, playing a wise, cheerful, and devoted housemaid who often helps her employers out of tight spots.
Her career culminated in two television roles as a housekeeper in the early situation comedies Beulah (1952-53) and The Danny Thomas Show (1953-54).
Louise Beavers died on Oct. 26, 1962, in Hollywood, California. She was inducted posthumously into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1976.
Black Women in America An Historical Encyclopedia
Volumes 1 and 2, edited by Darlene Clark Hine
Copyright 1993, Carlson Publishing Inc., Brooklyn, New York
ISBN 0-926019-61-9
