I first became aware of legendary actress, singer, and activist Lena Horne not from watching old movies on AMC, but from 1970s Sesame Street reruns on PBS. Known for her elegance, talent, and style, Horne helped break down the race barrier in Hollywood's segregated climate.
Born in 1917 in Brooklyn, Horne was dancing and singing in the famous Cotton Club at the age of 16. By the 1940s, she was the country's highest-paid African American actress, starring in films such as Stormy Weather and Cabin in the Sky.
In her screen tests at MGM, Horne’s skin photographed very lightly. In fact, the studio executives went so far as to hire cosmetics legend Max Factor to create a makeup line for her called “Egyptian Tan” so that she would appear darker onscreen.
Throughout her life, she has been active with the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women. Now 91, Horne currently resides in Manhattan. It's rumored that Alicia Keys will star in a biopic on Horne's life with Oprah Winfrey producing. Check out my gallery below for pics of the stunning beauty, along a performance of her signature song, Stormy Weather, when you read more.
Marks and Spencer
Beyond The Valley
City Walk
Lena Horne is one classy lady. Thank you for sharing this.
1She is just absolutely gorgeous. Elegance and class.
2Thank you for honoring Ms.Horne...naturally, she's been an inspiration to me.
3I think someone used to have her as their icon! I cant remember who tho
4She is a natural beauty.
5She is very beautiful. Wow, you are right, she does photograph lightly. How cool is it that she had makeup made especially for her? Boy, I wish.
6She's stunning!
7She is beautiful! Thanks for featuring her!
8Absolutely Stunning. I used to have her as my icon.
9I love her, she's just a true icon and talent. I did my first film about her in 7th grade
10Icon!
11Absolutely stunning! I think Alicia would be a great choice for her biopic as well. One of her best features is actually her speaking voice believe it or not. It's so smooth and distinctive...
12Definately a Bella Donna. Lena Horne has stunning looks and amazing talent to match.
13She is beautiful and reminds me of my grandmother.
14She's been on my list of favorite actresses since I saw Show Boat when I was five!
15Look at recent pictures of her now...91, and doesn't look it at ALL. She's just classic grace and ageless beauty.
16she certainly is iconic and i think that it's really nice that they are looking to do a film on her life. alicia would do her justice in the role, and i'm not surprised at all that oprah may be a part of the project.
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