A leading role is taken by the exceptionally fine actress of color, Rose McClendon. — 1935 Playbill (image via The New York Public Library) Octavia, Sally, Goldie, Medea — these are the roles that solidifed the Harlem actress as an icon of the Broadway stage. After Rose played Serena in the hit musical "Porgy and Bess," Playbill dubbed her the most successful actor of color — actor, not just actress — of the early 20th century. Later in life, despite near-constant lung problems, she used her star power to headline a series of political dramas, including Langston Hughes's "Mulatto."
A Woman to Know: Rose McClendon
A Woman to Know: Rose McClendon
A Woman to Know: Rose McClendon
A leading role is taken by the exceptionally fine actress of color, Rose McClendon. — 1935 Playbill (image via The New York Public Library) Octavia, Sally, Goldie, Medea — these are the roles that solidifed the Harlem actress as an icon of the Broadway stage. After Rose played Serena in the hit musical "Porgy and Bess," Playbill dubbed her the most successful actor of color — actor, not just actress — of the early 20th century. Later in life, despite near-constant lung problems, she used her star power to headline a series of political dramas, including Langston Hughes's "Mulatto."