Today In Black History
Madge Sinclair, Award-winning Jamaican-American Actor
Issue #602 Today In Black History, Wednesday, May 15, 2024
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Today’s Black History WOW!
Madge Dorita Walters Sinclair was born on April 28, 1938, in Kingston, Jamaica, she began her career as a teacher in her home country before moving to the United States to become an actress. She made a name for herself in Hollywood with her powerful performances and distinctive voice.
Sinclair's career spanned over four decades, during which she appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. She is perhaps best known for her roles in the films "Coming to America" and "The Lion King." In "Coming to America," Sinclair played Queen Aoleon, the regal and wise mother of Prince Akeem, portrayed by Eddie Murphy. Her portrayal of the strong and dignified queen earned her critical acclaim.
In "The Lion King," Sinclair provided the voice for the character of Sarabi, the mother of Simba and wife of Mufasa. Sinclair's distinctive voice brought Sarabi to life in a way that resonated with viewers of all ages.
In both “Coming to America” and “The Lion King,” she played a queen opposite James Earl Jones who played a king.
Madge Sinclair also played the seminal role of “Belle,” the wife of the adult Kunta Kinte (played by John Amos) in “Roots,” for which she was nominated for an Emmy.
In the 1980s, Sinclair played a nurse named Ernestine Shoop on the series Trapper John, M.D. opposite Pernell Roberts. She received three Emmy nominations for her work on the show,
Madge Sinclair made two appearances in the "Star Trek" franchise. She first portrayed the captain of the USS Saratoga in "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home". Although she did not receive on-screen credit for this role, she was the first female Starfleet captain to be seen in the history of "Star Trek". She later played Captain Silva La Forge in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" seventh season episode "Interface" in 1993.
Madge Sinclair died at the age of 57 on December 20, 1995, after a 13-year battle with leukemia. Her remains were cremated and her ashes were scattered in her hometown of Kingston, Jamaica. She was posthumously awarded the Order of Distinction, rank of Commander, for service in the performing arts in October 2000.
In recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, Madge Sinclair was posthumously inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.
Today In Black History
In 1820, Congress declared the foreign slave trade an act of piracy punishable by death.
In 1916, 15,000 people attended the lynching and burning alive of a Black man, Jesse Washington, in a public square in Waco, Texas. The incident was named the “Waco Horror.”
In 1918, Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts became the first Americans to be awarded the Croix de Guerrero, France’s highest military award.
In 1942, the first African American army division formed during World War II, the 93rd Infantry, was activated and assigned to combat in the South Pacific.
In 1946, Camilla Williams, the first African American woman to sign a contract with a major American opera company appeared in the title role of Madama Butterfly with the New York City Opera.
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