Leah Ray: A trailblazing singer and actress
Early life and career
Leah Ray Hubbard was born on February 16, 1915, in Norfolk, Virginia. She began her career as a singer in the 1930s, performing in nightclubs and on the radio. In 1941, she made her Broadway debut in the musical "Star and Garter." She went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "Carmen Jones" (1943) and "South Pacific" (1949).
Film and television career
In the 1950s, Ray began appearing in films and television shows. She had a recurring role on the television series "The Jackie Gleason Show" and appeared in several films, including "The Defiant Ones" (1958) and "Porgy and Bess" (1959). In 1964, she starred in the Broadway musical "Hello, Dolly!" and won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Ray continued to perform throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in films, television shows, and on Broadway. She also released several albums, including "Leah Ray Sings the Blues" (1960) and "Leah Ray Sings the Great American Songbook" (1975).
Personal life
Ray was married twice, first to actor Rex Ingram and then to actor Robert Guillaume. She had one daughter, Leah Ray Ingram, who is also an actress.
Legacy
Leah Ray was a trailblazing singer and actress who broke down barriers for African American performers. She was one of the first African American women to star in a Broadway musical and to win a Tony Award. Her work helped to pave the way for other African American performers to achieve success in the entertainment industry.
Ray died on May 27, 1999, at the age of 84. Her legacy as a talented and pioneering performer continues to inspire generations of artists.
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