A black woman, with fair skin and light eyes, she was often equally disliked by both black and white film fans. Her first film performance was with Duke Ellington in a musical short "Black and Tan" as a dancer. Hollywood studio executives urged her to “pass” for white with the promise held out that she would be a bigger star than Joan Crawford, Constance Bennett, and Greta Garbo. Washington refused. Her best-remembered role was as Peola in the film "Imitation of Life" in 1934. She appeared in films with Paul Robeson in Emperor Jones and a few others with her skin darkened. She was head of the Negro Actors Guild. Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To Edward.” In fine condition. R&R COA.
