Janee Michelle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Janee Michelle
Michelle in 2015.
Born	Geneva Leona Mercadel 1946 (age 78–79) New Orleans, Louisiana
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actress former model business owner
Years active	1964–present
Spouse(s)	Albert Hubbard ​ ​ (m. 1966; div. 1968)​ Robert DoQui ​ ​ (m. 1969; div. 1978)​ Robert H. Tucker, Jr. ​ ​ (m. 1979; div. 1998)​
Children	Robert Diago DoQui (born 1971) Iam Christian Tucker (born 1983)
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Janee Michelle (born Geneva Leona Mercadel in 1946) is an American actress, former model, and business owner. She is best known for her role in the 1974 horror movie The House on Skull Mountain.

Throughout her career, she has appeared in movies, TV shows, and commercials. She started her film career in the 1964 short film The Legend of Jimmy Blue Eyes. She changed her name to Janee Michelle because her agent thought it would be better for her career. After many years of acting, she became a successful businessperson in her hometown of New Orleans.

Early Life and Education

Janee Michelle was born Geneva Leona Mercadel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her family had a diverse background, with relatives from Africa, France, Germany, and Italy, as well as from the Choctaw people. Her father was a barber, and her mother was a beautician.

At age 13, Michelle organized and directed a dance show at the YWCA. In 1960, she was named Miss New Orleans. In high school, she won many awards for her language skills. Her family later moved to Los Angeles, California, because the weather in New Orleans was not good for her mother's health.

To help support her family, Michelle worked as a cook. She graduated 25th in her class of 500 students. She later attended Los Angeles City College and Woodbury College, where she studied English and drama.

Career in Entertainment and Business

Acting and Modeling

Janee Michelle appeared in an episode of Love, American Style with Greg Morris (pictured), known for his role in the Mission: Impossible TV series.

Michelle's career included acting, modeling, and dancing. She appeared in movies, TV shows, stage plays, and commercials. While still in high school, she worked as a dancer in Las Vegas.

Her first movie role was in the 1964 short film The Legend of Jimmy Blue Eyes. At the time, her agent and the movie studio suggested she use a stage name. She chose Janee Michelle, which she felt was unique.

In 1967, she appeared in the movie The Love-Ins. Her acting in the TV series The Outcasts in 1968 was praised by critics and led to more movie offers. In 1969, Jet magazine featured her on its cover, calling her "one of Hollywood's most attractive actresses."

Michelle is best known for acting in the 1974 horror film The House on Skull Mountain alongside Victor French (pictured).

In 1970, she starred with her husband at the time, Robert DoQui, in the movie Soul Soldier. The movie included scenes that were meant for adult audiences.

Michelle is most famous for her role as Lorena Christophe in the 1974 horror film The House on Skull Mountain. In the movie, her character is called to the home of a relative who was a voodoo queen. She plays the love interest of the main character, played by Victor French.

In 1973, Michelle co-founded Kwanza, a non-profit group run by African American actresses. The organization provided food to families in need. By 1976, Kwanza had fed over 2,000 people.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Queen

For her role as Zulu queen, Michelle borrowed a feather boa and headdress from the famous singer Cher (pictured).

In 1977, Michelle's cousin was chosen as the king of the Zulu parade, a major event in the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration. He asked Michelle to be his queen.

Michelle was the first Zulu queen to wear two different gowns for the event. Both were designed by Bob Mackie, a famous designer who also created outfits for Cher. For the parade, Michelle even borrowed a special feather boa and headdress from Cher. Her appearance was very memorable, and people copied her "Zulu queen walk" for a year afterward.

Successful Business Owner

After marrying New Orleans politician Robert H. Tucker, Jr. in 1979, Michelle moved back to New Orleans and became a business owner. In 1980, she and Tucker started a management consulting company called Tucker and Associates. This type of company helps other businesses improve how they work.

At first, the company did not make much money. But Michelle and Tucker worked hard to build it. In 1990, their company received a $26 million contract with the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is the country's emergency oil supply. It was the largest contract ever given to a minority-owned company in Louisiana at the time.

Michelle and Tucker later started a second company. After they divorced, Michelle kept ownership of Tucker and Associates. She served as its president and CEO.

After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Michelle bought Sophie's Gelato, an ice cream parlor where she makes fresh gelato.

Awards and Recognition

• In 1991, Michelle was named a YWCA Role Model.
• In 1995, the National Council of Negro Women named her a community leader of the year.
• She has been named New Orleans Woman Business Owner of the Year.
• The Business and Professional Women's Foundation named her Employer of the Year.

Personal Life

Michelle has been married three times. Her first marriage was to Albert S. Hubbard from 1966 to 1968.

In 1969, she married actor Robert DoQui. Together, they had a son, Robert Diago DoQui, who also became an actor. Michelle and DoQui divorced in 1978.

She married Robert H. Tucker, Jr. in 1979. They had a daughter, Iam Christian Tucker. Michelle and Tucker were married for nineteen years before divorcing.

Filmography

Film

Television

Images for kids

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  In 2003, Ray Nagin, the Mayor of New Orleans, ended city contracts with several companies, including the two that Michelle co-founded.