Description:
(First Black Woman to Star in a Major Motion Picture, the 1927 Silent Film 'Siren of the Tropics')
Described as "the most sensational woman anyone ever saw" by Ernest Hemingway, Josephine Baker was one of the most successful entertainers in France and across Europe. She captivated audiences with her mesmerizing dance performances and went on to become one of the highest-paid chorus girls in Paris. Much revered for her striking beauty, Baker enjoyed celebrity status for almost 50 years. She also acted in a few films. Unfortunately, racism posed obstacles to her career, and she was not well received in the United States. She worked as an intelligence agent during World War II, gathering secret information about German troops and supporting the French Resistance. For her efforts, she was awarded one of France’s highest military honors, the Croix de Guerre, and later, the Legion of Honour. She made several notable contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, adamantly refusing to perform in segregated clubs and actively participating in demonstrations. She also delivered a speech at the 1963 March on Washington, becoming one of the few women to do so. She had a huge fan base and was given the nicknames "Black Pearl," "Bronze Venus," and "Creole Goddess."
Birthday
June 3, 1906 (Gemini)
Born In
United States
Alternative names
Freda Josephine McDonald
Height
170 cm
City
St. Louis, Missouri
Died on
April 12, 1975
Spouse/Ex-
Jean Lion (m. 1937–1938) William Howard Baker, Joe Bouillon (m. 1947–1957)
Parents
Eddie Carson
Carrie
Children
Aiko, Brahim, Janot, Jari, Jean-Claude Baker, Koffi, Luis, Mara, Marianne, Moïse, Noël, Stellina
When did Josephine Baker become a French citizen?
Josephine Baker became a French citizen in 1937.
What was Josephine Baker's role in the French Resistance during World War II?
Josephine Baker served as a spy and informant for the French Resistance during World War II.
What was the significance of Josephine Baker's performance in the Revue Nègre?
Josephine Baker's performance in the Revue Nègre challenged racial stereotypes and helped popularize African American culture in Europe.
How did Josephine Baker contribute to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States?
Josephine Baker was a prominent supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, participating in marches and refusing to perform in segregated venues.
What impact did Josephine Baker have on the entertainment industry?
Josephine Baker broke barriers as a Black woman in the entertainment industry, becoming an international star and influencing future generations of performers.
