← 15 Black Artists Who Died Too Young

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By Anslem Samuel | Published July 26, 2011 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

DOROTHY DANDRIDGE, 42: A performer from a young age alongside her sister as part of the child group, The Wonder Children (later The Dandridge Sisters), Dandridge sang at small venues on the chitlin’ circuit. As she got older, she added acting to her list of talents and found success there, becoming the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. Dandridge continued to sing and act until her death of a drug overdose on September 8, 1965. She was 42 years old.

DOROTHY DANDRIDGE, 42: A performer from a young age alongside her sister as part…

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