The new wave of Black starlets

Ebony, March, 1989 by Roxanne Brown, Aldore Collier, Douglas C. Lyons

The New Wave Of BLACK STARLETS

THEY are a new breed of Black starlets, poised on the edge of fame and stardom. Most are still adjusting to the whirlwind of New York and Hollywood glitterati. Some have landed big movie roles, others have found steady work on prime-time television, but few have tasted the success that transforms aspirants into legends. In a word, they are filled with anticipation.

In some ways, the starlets of the '80s resemble grande dames of their mothers' generation--such as Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge, and Lena Horne. They are beautiful, talented and determined. But, for the most part, today's Black screen actresses represent a new wave--independent, savvy and industrious. And they are practical by nature. They are not afraid to take risks and their values do not appear self-centered. They are committed to social causes, such as anti-gang and anti-drug programs. Unlike their predecessors, most of the new generation of starlets are more comfortable in blue jeans and gym shoes--viewing glamour only from afar. Down-to-earth and realistic, they offer level-headed perspectives when speaking about fame. "I personally don't use the word 'star'," says Vanessa Bell Calloway, a striking beauty who headlined as Princess Imani in Eddie Murphy's Coming To America. "I think that word is given away too easily," she continues. "If you've got a good publicist and you do one movie, then suddenly they've named you a 'star.'"

Black female actresses today come prepared for everything. They understand the value of versatility and may have started as dancers or models, but all have at least attempted to strengthen their singing and acting skills. They are as readily available for television roles, videos and commercials as they are for screen parts. And while television has provided consistent work for most, perhaps it has stripped away that glamour and mystique in which Black actresses of yesteryear were cloaked. "The young women today just don't seem to have that kind of style," says Donald Bogle, author of Brown Sugar and other books on Black Hollywood. "There's something, particularly in the TV people, that's a bit ordinary. They are sort of like idealized versions of the girl next door."

Fame can bring recognition but not necessarily riches, as Tatiana Thumbtzen notes. "I sign autographs for people who stop me on the street, but there are times when I don't have the rent," she says.

Twenty years ago, it appeared that there was only room for one Black female television star--Diahann Carroll who in Julia launched the first television series named for a leading Black character. Thanks to the advent of Black-produced series and to industry mogul Bill Cosby, weekly showcases display the talents of such promising actresses as Jasmine Guy and Dawn Lewis.

Videos have also provided a vehicle for Black starlets. Tatiana, a classically trained dancer, gained overnight fame in a Michael Jackson video. It is the silver screen, however, that is most elusive for the Black actress. Two of the actresses--Shari Headley and Vanessa Bell Calloway--got their breaks as a result of feature roles in Coming To America.

While emerging Black screenwriters and producers have provided vehicles for other Black women, few Black actresses work in major films. "We don't have this dramatic, larger-than-life, beautiful Black leading lady," says Bogle. But it is not because Black starlets don't have the talent and determination.