Louise Beavers was an American actress born on March 8, 1902, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She became known for her roles in films during the early to mid-20th century, often portraying strong, maternal characters. Beavers gained significant recognition for her performance in the 1934 film Imitation of Life, which highlighted issues of race and identity. Throughout her career, Beavers appeared in over 100 films and television shows, becoming one of the first African American actresses to achieve mainstream success. She worked alongside notable actors such as Claudette Colbert and Paul Robeson, contributing to the representation of African Americans in Hollywood. Beavers passed away on October 26, 1962.