Mildred Davenport, professionally known as Acquanetta, was a talented actress who made a significant impact in the world of motion pictures. Dubbed the "Venezualan Volcano" by Universal Studios, despite having no connection to the country, she was a true Hollywood starlet. Throughout her life, Acquanetta's identity remained somewhat shrouded in mystery, with various claims about her birthplace and ancestry. Some believed her to be half Arapaho Native American, while others thought she was born in Wyoming. However, census records revealed that she was indeed born in Pennsylvania, part of the Davenport family, and that she may have been a light-skinned African American woman passing as white in an era where having black ancestry would have severely hindered her career.
Acquanetta's filmography is impressive, with notable roles in Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (1946),Arabian Nights (1942),Jungle Woman (1944),Dead Man's Eyes (1944),Lost Continent (1951),and The Legend of Grizzly Adams (1990). Her on-screen presence was often accompanied by her trademark long black braids and beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry, which added to her mystique.
In the 1950s, Acquanetta relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where she married the owner of a local car dealership. Her celebrity status allowed her to become a local fixture, appearing in numerous advertisements for her husband's business. She also hosted her own television program, "Acqua's Corner," which showcased movies. In addition to her acting career, Acquanetta authored a book in 1974 titled "The Audible Silence," a collection of poems about life, love, and Indian jewelry.
Throughout her life, Acquanetta used her charm and celebrity to support and raise money for various cultural groups and charities, including Mesa Lutheran Hospital, the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Indian School, Stagebrush Theatre, and the Phoenix Symphony. Her philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact on the community.
Sadly, Acquanetta passed away on August 16, 2004, at the age of 83, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. She left behind four sons, Jack Ross Jr., Lance Ross, Tom Ross, and Rex Ross, as well as her brother, Horace Davenport, a retired Pennsylvania judge, who was 85 years old at the time of her passing.
