Lillian Randolph facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lillian Randolph
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Lillian Randolph in 1952
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| Born |
Castello Randolph
December 14, 1898 Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
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| Died | September 12, 1980 (aged 81) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1931–1980 |
| Spouse(s) | Jack Chase Edward Sanders
(m. 1951; div. 1953)? McKee |
| Children | 2, including Barbara Randolph |
| Relatives | Amanda Randolph (sister) |
Lillian Randolph (born December 14, 1898 – died September 12, 1980) was a talented American actress and singer. She was famous for her work in radio, movies, and television. Lillian worked in entertainment for many years, starting in the 1930s. She appeared in hundreds of radio shows, films, and TV programs.
Many people remember Lillian Randolph from the classic movie It's a Wonderful Life (1946). She also appeared in Magic (1978) and The Onion Field (1979). She was also the voice of Mammy Two Shoes in many Tom and Jerry cartoons. These cartoons were made between 1940 and 1952.
Contents
Lillian Randolph's Amazing Career
Early Life and Start in Radio
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Lillian Randolph was born Castello Randolph in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was the younger sister of another famous actress, Amanda Randolph. Their father was a Methodist minister, and their mother was a teacher. Lillian began her career by singing on local radio stations. She worked in cities like Cleveland and Detroit.
In Detroit, a station owner named George W. Trendle noticed her talent. He helped her get into radio training courses. This led to many roles in local radio shows. In 1936, Lillian moved to Los Angeles. There, she worked on popular radio shows like Al Jolson's show and Big Town. She also sang at the famous Club Alabam.
Lillian and her sister Amanda often looked for acting jobs to support themselves. During World War II, Lillian opened her home to service members. She hosted weekly dinners and entertainment for them in Los Angeles.
Becoming a Star
Lillian Randolph became well-known for playing the maid Birdie Lee Coggins. She played this role on The Great Gildersleeve radio show and in later movies. She was also Madame Queen on the Amos 'n' Andy radio and TV shows from 1937 to 1953. Lillian got the "Gildersleeve" job because of her amazing laugh! She rushed to NBC for the audition. She tripped and fell, but she laughed about it. Her laugh was so wonderful that she got the part. She also played Birdie in the TV version of The Great Gildersleeve.
In 1955, Lillian sang the Gospel song "Were You There" on the Gildersleeve TV show. Viewers loved it so much that she recorded a Gospel album. She also found time to play Mrs. Watson on The Baby Snooks Show and Daisy on The Billie Burke Show.
Her most famous movie roles include Annie in It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and Bessie in The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947).
Fighting for Fairness
Lillian Randolph and her husband, boxer Jack Chase, faced unfair housing rules. In 1946, they bought a home in Los Angeles. But a rule tried to stop them from moving in because of their race. The US Supreme Court later said these rules were illegal in 1948. After divorcing Chase, Lillian married Edward Sanders in 1951. They divorced in 1953.
Like her sister Amanda, Lillian also played the character of Beulah on the radio. Lillian took over the role in 1952 when Hattie McDaniel became sick. That same year, she won an "Angel" award for her work in radio and TV. She played Beulah until 1953, when Amanda took over.
In 1954, Lillian Randolph had her own daily radio show in Hollywood. She also became the first African American on the board of directors for the Hollywood chapter of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Voice of Mammy Two Shoes
Lillian Randolph was the voice of the maid character, Mammy Two Shoes, in the Tom and Jerry cartoons. These cartoons were made by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer cartoon studio. Her voice was not credited in the cartoons. The character's last appearance was in 1952. The NAACP criticized the role, calling it a stereotype. Because of this, the character was removed from the cartoons.
Lillian also received criticism for her role as Birdie on The Great Gildersleeve radio show. However, Lillian Randolph believed these roles were not harmful. She thought that the roles themselves would continue, but different actors would play them.
In 1956, Lillian and her choir toured the US with other Amos 'n' Andy TV stars. But the TV network CBS stopped the tour. They said it was using their show's characters without permission. By 1958, Lillian, who started as a blues singer, returned to music with a nightclub act.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1969, Lillian was chosen to play Bill Cosby's character's mother in The Bill Cosby Show. In the 1970s, she also appeared in Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons. She also taught acting, singing, and public speaking.
Lillian made a guest appearance on a 1972 episode of Sanford and Son. She played Aunt Hazel. She also appeared in the TV miniseries Roots (1977). Her last film roles were in Magic (1978) and The Onion Field (1979).
In March 1980, Lillian Randolph was honored. She was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.
Lillian's daughter, Barbara, also became an actress and singer. Barbara Randolph appeared in her mother's nightclub acts. She also had a role in the movie Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967).
Death
Lillian Randolph passed away from cancer on September 12, 1980. She was 81 years old. She is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills). Her sister, Amanda, is buried next to her.
Images for kids
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Lillian Randolph in 1952
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An advertisement from 1939
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Lillian Randolph as Birdie on TV's The Great Gildersleeve (1955)
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From left: Lillian Randolph (Beulah), Ernest Whitman (Bill), and Ruby Dandridge (Oriole) in Beulah (1952–53)
See also
In Spanish: Lillian Randolph para niños
