Dorothy Dandridge was an American actress and singer, born on November 9, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio. She became one of the first African American women to gain mainstream success in Hollywood during the 1950s. Dandridge is best known for her role in the film Carmen Jones, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, making her the first African American woman to achieve this honor. In addition to her film career, Dandridge was a talented singer and performed in various venues, including nightclubs and theaters. Despite facing significant challenges due to racial discrimination, she left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and is remembered as a pioneer for future generations of artists.