Lena Horne
Originally from New York City, Lena Horne rose to become one of the most recognized Models from American.
American singer, actress, dancer and activist (1917–2010)
"Her one-woman Broadway show, "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music" (1981), was a monumental success, earning her a special Tony Award and two Grammy Awards." — About Lena Horne
| Metric | Lena Horne | Avg Model | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 92 | 45 | +47 yrs |
| Career length | 74 yrs | ~35 yrs | +39 yrs |
| Based on 30 Model profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Lena Horne
Did you know that despite her star status, MGM often filmed Lena Horne's musical numbers in a way that allowed them to be easily cut from prints for Southern theaters?
- She was one of the first Black performers to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio, MGM, in 1942.
- During WWII, she was a popular pin-up girl for African American soldiers, boosting morale despite segregation in the military.
- She often refused roles that perpetuated racial stereotypes, leading to her scenes being strategically filmed for easy removal.
- She performed for the USO during WWII but refused to perform for segregated audiences, often paying for Black soldiers to attend her shows.
- Horne was blacklisted in Hollywood for several years during the McCarthy era due to her progressive political views and activism.
Her one-woman Broadway show, "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music" (1981), was a monumental success, earning her a special Tony Award and two Grammy Awards. It was a powerful retrospective of her life and career, solidifying her legendary status.
Lena Horne's pioneering work in Hollywood broke significant racial barriers, establishing her as both a revered entertainer and a powerful, enduring voice for civil rights and equality.