Dorothy Dandridge: An Intimate Biography

by Earl Mills

In 1955 Dorothy Dandridge became the first African American ever to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actress for her starting role in the Otto Preminger film Carmen Jones. From her early years as an entertainer in churches, her singing career as one of the famous Dandridge Sisters, her triumphs in such motion pictures as Porgy and Bess, this intimate biography could only be told by one close to the feisty, beautiful film star. The author, Earl Mills, was Miss Dandridge's personal manager and close friend through the major portion of her career and until her death.

238 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

Reviews

[Karmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th edition of Earl Mills book and I purchased it since I had all of the previous ones.

Is worth purchasing just because your a DD fan.

Also, more information is in the book due to the inclusion of the movie "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge" A behind the scenes look at this movie. More information about the whereabout's of Dorothy's family and co-workers.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book but couldnt stand how the author jumped around sooo much. I was also confused at how he had actual, word-for-word conversations as if Dorothy took the time to give him her life story...in verbatim. I can understand him summarizing her words or even her summarizing her life but really? word-for-word? ok, whatever. Anyhoo, its just like the movie. Her life was so unfair, in my opinion, like Ms. Josephine Baker but she was a beautiful person. Good read overalll.

[Christine Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I saw the HBO movie, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, starring Halle Berry, I wanted to know more about her. This book is the source material for the movie, written by Earl Mills. (You can feel how much he admired her, although he's not a great writer.) He was "Dorothy Dandridge's manager and friend during her successful professional life. He celebrated victories with her and suffered with her when times were tough. Their relationship often bordered on the romantic. Earl wrote this biography as a labor of love. The love shines through." Brent Spiner plays Earl in the movie, a man who was completely devoted to Dorothy because he was in love with her. Dorothy's life had many highs and lows and, sadly, it ended too soon. This supremely talented actress and singer worked hard to overcome the roadblocks put in the way of a Black woman in the 1940's and '50's. She is fondly remembered today for her many successes.

[Fanta L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything should definitely read this book and really watch her movie