An acclaimed stage performer, Dorothy still struggled with the challenge of her color, in a time that wouldn't let some stars in by the front door. Yet against the odds she beat out many more famous rivals for the role of "Carmen Jones", becoming the first black woman ever nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. Marriages and affairs would break her heart, but her heart was strong. Seductive and easily seduced, she was born to be a star - with all the glory and all the pain of being loved, abused, cheated, glorified, undermined and undefeated. Here was a woman who wouldn't wait in the wings. Halle Berry stars as Dorothy Dandrige.

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)

Right woman. Right place. Wrong time.

★ 6.4/10 August 21, 1999 115 min

DramaTV Movie

Director: Martha Coolidge

An acclaimed stage performer, Dorothy still struggled with the challenge of her color, in a time that wouldn't let some stars in by the front door. Yet against the odds she beat out many more famous rivals for the role of "Carmen Jones", becoming the first black woman ever nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. Marriages and affairs would break her heart, but her heart was strong. Seductive and easily seduced, she was born to be a star - with all the glory and all the pain of being loved, abused, cheated, glorified, undermined and undefeated. Here was a woman who wouldn't wait in the wings. Halle Berry stars as Dorothy Dandrige.

Where to watch

HBO Max Amazon Channel HBO Max

Director

Martha Coolidge

Cast

Halle Berry Dorothy Dandridge Brent Spiner Earl Mills Klaus Maria Brandauer Otto Preminger Obba Babatundé Harold Nicholas Loretta Devine Ruby Dandridge Cynda Williams Vivian Dandridge LaTanya Richardson Jackson Auntie Tamara Taylor Geri Nicholas William Atherton Darryl Zanuck D. B. Sweeney Jack Denison Billy Mayo Sergeant Sharon Brown Etta Jones