Italian American performer whose stage persona was "Aunt Jemima." Gardella performed on both stage and screen, usually in blackface. In 1927, she originated the role of Queenie in the classic stage musical Show Boat and was the only member of the original Broadway cast to appear in blackface. Vintage fountain pen signature and inscription, “Big success to Emil, Sincerely, Aunt Jemima, Tess Gardella, Mar 6/47,” on a beige 5.25 x 4 album page, with a small clipped photo of Gardella as Aunt Jemima affixed to top right corner. In fine condition, with a central vertical fold affecting a few letters of signature and inscription. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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