Born: October 19, 1914 – Died: January 1, 2014
Juanita Moore, an African American actress, entered the film industry in the early 1950s when opportunities for black actors were scarce. However, as Hollywood began to embrace social consciousness, Moore's roles started to improve. In 1959, she earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in "Imitation of life," a groundbreaking film that tackled the issue of racism. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Moore became a prominent figure in black-oriented films, appearing in over 50 movies. Her contributions to the entertainment industry paved the way for greater representation and diversity. Born on October 19, 1914, in Greenwood, Mississippi, Juanita Moore made a lasting impact before her passing on January 1, 2014.
Early Life and Career
Moore's start in the film industry came in the early 1950s when opportunities for black actors were limited. She began gaining recognition for her performances as Hollywood started to embrace social consciousness towards the end of the decade.
In 1959, Moore received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role in "Imitation of Life," a significant film that addressed the issue of racism. This role marked a turning point in her career, showcasing her talent and establishing her as a respected actress.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Moore became a prominent figure in black-oriented films. She appeared in over 50 movies during this time, contributing to greater representation in the industry.
Juanita Moore was married to Charles Thomas Burris from October 8, 1953, until his death on April 27, 2001.
Juanita Moore's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry cannot be understated. She played a crucial role in paving the way for greater opportunities for black actors, particularly during a time when such roles were scarce. Moore's talent and dedication to her craft made her an icon and a revered figure in cinema.
Juanita Moore's contributions to the industry, especially her portrayal of complex and nuanced characters, continue to be recognized and celebrated. Juanita Moore's legacy is one that encompasses both her pioneering work for black actors and her lasting impact on the world of film.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Judging Amy (TV Series) | Katerine Barrantes |
| 2000 | ER (TV Series) | Mrs. Barnwell |
| 2000 | The Kid | Kenny's Grandmother |
| 1999 | The Sterling Chase | Grandma Jones (voice) |
| 1990 | Shades of LA (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1988 | Two Moon Junction | Delilah |
| 1982 | And They're Off | Sadie Johnson |
| 1982 | O'Hara's Wife | Ethel |
| 1981 | Paternity | Celia |
| 1981 | ABC Weekend Specials (TV Series) | Miss. Fletcher |
| 1977 | The Richard Pryor Show (TV Series) | Mama Edie |
| 1976 | Everybody Rides the Carousel | Stage 8 (voice) |
| 1976 | Insight (TV Series) | Julia Colby |
| 1976 | Ellery Queen (TV Series) | Mrs. Douglas |
| 1975 | Fugitive Lovers | Assemblywoman Griffin |
| 1975 | Deliver Us from Evil | Mrs. Trindal |
| 1974 | Abby | Miranda 'Momma' Potter |
| 1974 | The Get-Man | Unknown |
| 1974 | Thomasine & Bushrod | Pecolia |
| 1973 | A Dream for Christmas (TV Movie) | Fannie Mitchell |
| 1972–1973 | Marcus Welby, M.D. (TV Series) | Mrs. Coleman | Mrs. Loretta Hughes |
| 1973 | Fox Style | Hattie Fox |
| 1973 | The Mack | Mother |
| 1973 | Adam-12 (TV Series) | Police Commissioner Edna Dixon |
| 1971 | Confessions of a Top Crime Buster (TV Movie) | Mrs. Robinson |
| 1971 | The Partners (TV Series) | Mrs. Robinson |
| 1971 | Skin Game | Viney |
| 1971 | Ironside (TV Series) | Melissa Babcock |
| 1970 | Mannix (TV Series) | Mrs. Davis |
| 1970 | Angelitos negros | Nana Mercé |
| 1969 | The Bold Ones: The Lawyers (TV Series) | Emma Greenley |
| 1969 | The Whole World Is Watching (TV Movie) | Mrs. Harberson |
| 1968 | Uptight | Mama Wells |
| 1968 | The Outsider (TV Series) | Esther Branson |
| 1968 | Gentle Ben (TV Series) | Mama Jolie |
| 1967 | Rosie! | Nurse |
| 1967 | Dragnet 1967 (TV Series) | Mrs. Esther Jenkins |
| 1966 | The Singing Nun | Sister Mary |
| 1965 | Slattery's People (TV Series) | Millie |
| 1965 | The Farmer's Daughter (TV Series) | Mrs. Penn |
| 1963–1965 | The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (TV Series) | Suse | Mrs. Jones | Mrs. McFarland |
| 1964 | Mr. Novak (TV Series) | Ellen Towner |
| 1964 | Ben Casey (TV Series) | Hettie |
| 1963 | Breaking Point (TV Series) | Verna |
| 1963 | 77 Sunset Strip (TV Series) | Celia Jackson |
| 1963 | Wagon Train (TV Series) | Essie |
| 1963 | Going My Way (TV Series) | Mrs. Green |
| 1963 | Papa's Delicate Condition | Ellie |
| 1963 | A Child Is Waiting | Julius' Mother (uncredited) |
| 1963 | The Eleventh Hour (TV Series) | Mrs. Holmby |
| 1962 | Walk on the Wild Side | Mama |
| 1962 | Cain's Hundred (TV Series) | Beatrice George |
| 1961 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series) | Cleo |
| 1961 | Tammy Tell Me True | Della |
| 1960 | The DuPont Show with June Allyson (TV Series) | Rosanna Watkins |
| 1959 | Imitation of Life | Annie Johnson |
| 1958 | The Thin Man (TV Series) | Catalina Orlatti |
| 1957 | The Green-Eyed Blonde | Miss Randall |
| 1957 | Bombers B-52 | Clarissa (uncredited) |
| 1957 | The Helen Morgan Story | Lacey - Backstage Maid (uncredited) |
| 1957 | Band of Angels | Budge (uncredited) |
| 1957 | Something of Value | Tribal Woman (uncredited) |
| 1956 | The Girl Can't Help It | Hilda |
| 1956 | Climax! (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | The Opposite Sex | Powder Room Attendant (uncredited) |
| 1956 | Ransom! | Shirley Lorraine |
| 1955 | Not as a Stranger | Mrs. Clara Bassett (uncredited) |
| 1955 | Lord of the Jungle | Molu's Wife (uncredited) |
| 1955 | Soldiers of Fortune (TV Series) | Emala |
| 1955 | Women's Prison | Polyclinic 'Polly' Jones |
| 1954 | The Gambler from Natchez | Yvette's Maid (uncredited) |
| 1954 | Witness to Murder | Negress |
| 1953 | Schlitz Playhouse (TV Series) | Maid |
| 1953 | The Royal African Rifles | Elderly woman |
| 1953 | Ramar of the Jungle (TV Series) | Teesa |
| 1952 | The Iron Mistress | Juanita - Judalon's Maid (uncredited) |
| 1952 | Affair in Trinidad | Dominique |
| 1952 | Skirts Ahoy! | Black Drill Team Member (uncredited) |
| 1952 | Lydia Bailey | Marie (uncredited) |
| 1951 | The Day the Earth Stood Still | Woman looking at spaceship (uncredited) |
| 1951 | No Questions Asked | Maid in Lounge (uncredited) |
| 1951 | Tarzan's Peril | Native Woman (uncredited) |
| 1949 | Pinky | Nurse (uncredited) |
| 1948 | A Song Is Born | Woman at Chocolate Club (uncredited) |
| 1943 | Cabin in the Sky | Nightclub Patron | Churchgoer (uncredited) |
| 1942 | Star Spangled Rhythm | Dancer - 'Sharp as a Tack' Number (uncredited) |
| 1941 | Belle Starr | Dressed-up Freed Slave (uncredited) |
| 1940 | Broken Strings | Nightclub Patron (uncredited) |
| 1939 | Double Deal | Nightclub Patron (uncredited) |
| 1936 | Show Boat | Dancer (uncredited) |
| 1934 | Cleopatra | Dancer | Slave Girl (uncredited) |
| 1934 | Murder at the Vanities | Black Dancer in Duke Ellington's Ebony Rhapsody (uncredited) |
| 1933 | Roman Scandals | Dancer (uncredited) |
| 1933 | So This Is Africa | Dancer (uncredited) |
