I just watched Fredi in "Imitation of Life" yesterday and was blown away by her acting. I was surprised to discover she really was African-American. I can't believe they actually darkened her skin! Today, it would be akin to making Obama look blacker.
Hi. Considering that actress Fredi Washington was a light-skinned "black" woman and that many "black" women wore their hair like this in the early '30s, I don't think it's reasonable to claim that this was supposed to represent an interracial romance.
@josephnathanscott Thanks for the insight about Fredi Washington, josephnathanscott. I had no idea who she was, but have since done some research. Seems she was frequently mistaken as being white (some say she was mulatto), and would sometimes darken her skin with makeup for "black" roles. Ironically, Cab has lightening makeup on for this role! I've updated this video's info to mention Washington's identity. Thanks again.
Holy Toledo. Now that's really something - remarkably great post/share, many Thanks Istash. Cheers.
BenjaminCWRuhe 3 months ago
I just watched Fredi in "Imitation of Life" yesterday and was blown away by her acting. I was surprised to discover she really was African-American. I can't believe they actually darkened her skin! Today, it would be akin to making Obama look blacker.
mrsmagloo 3 months ago
what movie is this from?
jaguar42081 5 months ago
Fredi Washington was FINE!
PRUDENCE19831 8 months ago
Hi. Considering that actress Fredi Washington was a light-skinned "black" woman and that many "black" women wore their hair like this in the early '30s, I don't think it's reasonable to claim that this was supposed to represent an interracial romance.
josephnathanscott 10 months ago
@josephnathanscott Thanks for the insight about Fredi Washington, josephnathanscott. I had no idea who she was, but have since done some research. Seems she was frequently mistaken as being white (some say she was mulatto), and would sometimes darken her skin with makeup for "black" roles. Ironically, Cab has lightening makeup on for this role! I've updated this video's info to mention Washington's identity. Thanks again.
lstash 10 months ago