We’ve been breaking down our list of 16 classic fashion icons everyone should know. Last week, we covered the mysteriously fabulous actress Katharine Hepburn. This week, it’s all about equal rights activist and actress Dorothy Dandridge. 

Dorothy made her mark on Hollywood during one of the most tense periods in American history. Fighting racism and prejudice within the industry, she went on to become one of the most adored African-American actresses of all time. Keep reading to find out more about her career, battles against racism, and style legacy.

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All About Dorothy

Dorothy Dandridge was born in 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dorothy often toured the South with her sister as part of a song-and-dance act instead of going to school as a child. Her mother was also an entertainer, and pushed the girls into show business.

During her teen years, Dandridge continued performing with her sister and also got small roles in a couple of films. Because of racial tensions and segregation, it was difficult for her to find work. Sometimes she’d play a venue but not be allowed to use the bathroom or fountains there.

Dorothy’s big break came in 1954 after she’d struggled through a rocky marriage and given birth to her daughter, Harolyn, who suffered from brain damage.

She was cast as the lead in Carmen Jones and became the first African-American actress to be nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award.

But Dorothy found it difficult to get roles because of her race. She turned down many offers (notably refusing to play a slave in The King and I) and spoke openly about the prejudice and racism in Hollywood.

She was an equal rights activist and became involved with the NAACP to combat the racism she encountered in the film industry.