Artie Belle McGinty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Artie Belle McGinty
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| Born | 1892 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
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| Died | 1963 (aged 70–71) |
| Occupation | Actress, performer, comedienne |
| Years active | 1914–1948 |
Artie Belle McGinty (1892–1963) was an American actress, singer, dancer, and comedian. She performed in theater, films, and on the radio from the 1910s through the 1940s. She was also a member of the Negro Actors Guild, an important organization for Black performers.
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Early Life and Dreams
Artie Belle McGinty was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Her father was a shoemaker, and her mother was a music teacher. From a young age, Artie Belle loved music, writing, and acting.
Her father wanted her to become a teacher, just like her mother. But Artie Belle had other plans; she dreamed of being a theater actress. Luckily, her mother supported her dream. Artie Belle first performed on stage at age seven, giving a poetry recital. By age 12, she was playing piano for other singers. She also worked as a seamstress (someone who sews clothes) to earn money for her acting activities.
Her Amazing Career
Artie Belle McGinty had a long and varied career. She worked in radio, on stage, and in movies.
Radio Star
Artie Belle made her radio debut in 1927. She was the first voice for the "Aunt Jemima" radio advertisements. In the 1930s, she co-starred on a radio show called Old Gold Hour with Fred Waring. On the show, she played a character named Mandy Lou. She was known as the "stooge," which meant she asked funny questions to set up jokes for her comedy partner.
By 1935, she was replaced on Old Gold Hour. After a short role in another show, she even had to work as a cook for a while because acting jobs were hard to find. But she soon returned to radio! In the early 1940s, she starred in the radio soap opera Amanda of Honeymoon Hill on station WABC. She also appeared in The Goldbergs during the same time.
Stage and Film Work
In her twenties, Artie Belle was very busy with live performances. From August to November 1914, she was part of C. W. Park's Musical Comedy Company. The next year, she joined Alexander Tolliver's Circus and Musical Extravaganza. She performed in his "Big Show" and "Smart Set" series from March 1915 to September 1917. She also toured and performed with famous blues singer Ma Rainey.
Artie Belle McGinty appeared in several plays and films throughout her career.
Plays She Performed In
- Lily White (1930) as Sister Dolsey
- Loose Moments (1935) as Lilla
- Plumes in the Dust (1936) as Lizzie
- You Can't Take It With You (1939)
- No Time For Comedy (1940)
- Janie (1942) as Tina
Movies She Appeared In
- Chicago After Dark (1946 short film)
- Lucky Gamblers (1946 short film)
- Junction 88 (1947) as Mrs. Jenkins
