Any actor that can upstage Spencer Tracy and Kathrine Hepburn is no doubt in a league of their own. Beah Richards was that actor and had she been born fifty years earlier she would definitely be competition for Viola Davis.
Then again, if she were still around today, who in the entertainment world would have provided one of the strongest African American voices of yesterday? It's easy to look at a public figure and say that they were ahead of their time, but had they not lived when they did exactly how advanced would our society be?
This goes for actors as well and like it or not, Beah Richards was at the right place at the right time. This prolific actor through her various roles on the stage and screen fueled social awareness in a time when a black woman's voice was rarely taken seriously. In viewing her many unforgettable performances it is virtually impossible to keep your eyes off of her.
Her impressive body of work, which includes two Emmy's as well as one Oscar and Tony nomination barely scratches the surface of her immense talents. Beah Richards is probably most remembered for her Oscar nominated role in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, but reading up on her and checking out her films and television guest appearances are not only well worth the time and effort, but also the perfect way to keep her and her work alive.
Then again, if she were still around today, who in the entertainment world would have provided one of the strongest African American voices of yesterday? It's easy to look at a public figure and say that they were ahead of their time, but had they not lived when they did exactly how advanced would our society be?
This goes for actors as well and like it or not, Beah Richards was at the right place at the right time. This prolific actor through her various roles on the stage and screen fueled social awareness in a time when a black woman's voice was rarely taken seriously. In viewing her many unforgettable performances it is virtually impossible to keep your eyes off of her.
Her impressive body of work, which includes two Emmy's as well as one Oscar and Tony nomination barely scratches the surface of her immense talents. Beah Richards is probably most remembered for her Oscar nominated role in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, but reading up on her and checking out her films and television guest appearances are not only well worth the time and effort, but also the perfect way to keep her and her work alive.
I believe she played a recurring role as Hannah, Heath's childhood caregiver, in The Big Valley. Always loved her in that role.
ReplyDeleteJim Gallagher
You're right, Jim. I forgot about that. She was always good in anything she did.
DeleteFascinating! Cannot wait to watch her movies.
ReplyDelete