Fredi Washington, a groundbreaking African-American actress, often faced the daunting challenge of being overlooked due to her fair skin and striking green eyes, which obscured her exceptional acting abilities. Despite the numerous films in which she appeared, her remarkable talent was frequently overshadowed by the societal obsession with her race and ethnicity.
Washington's acting career began with a notable performance as a dancer in the musical short film "Black and Tan" (1929),alongside the renowned Duke Ellington. In Hollywood, she was strongly advised by studio executives to "pass" as a fully white actress, with the promise of achieving stardom rivaling that of Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Constance Bennett, and Greta Garbo. However, Fredi refused to conform to these expectations, instead choosing to remain true to her African-American heritage.
Washington's most iconic role was as the original Peola in the controversial film "Imitation of Life" (1934). She also shared the screen with the legendary Paul Robeson in "The Emperor Jones" (1933) and appeared in a few other films with her skin darkened. Notably, her most impressive work was on the stage, particularly in the production "Mamba's Daughters" alongside the talented Ethel Waters.
Despite not achieving the same level of success as her contemporaries, including Waters, Josephine Baker, and Nina Mae McKinney, Fredi Washington's remarkable talent and dedication to her craft are evident in the few films she did appear in. Washington's greatest legacy, however, lies in her tireless efforts as an activist. As the head of the Negro Actors Guild, she worked tirelessly to secure fair opportunities for black performers in the entertainment industry.
It is to be hoped that those who discover her work today will be able to see beyond her physical appearance and appreciate the beauty and talent that Fredi Washington possessed in abundance, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft and her unrelenting dedication to the cause of racial equality.
