Marie Bryant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marie Bryant
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Portrait from Los Angeles Herald Examiner 1944
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| Born | November 6, 1919 Meridian, Mississippi, U.S.
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| Died | May 23, 1978 (aged 58) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Dancer, singer, choreographer |
| Years active | 1934–1978 |
| Spouse(s) |
John A. Rajakumar
(m. 1952; died 1965) |
Marie Bryant (born November 6, 1919 – died May 23, 1978) was an amazing American dancer, singer, and choreographer. People called her "one of the most lively Black dancers in the United States." She was known for her energetic performances and her talent in many areas of entertainment.
Contents
Life and Career
Early Life and First Performances
Marie Bryant was born in Meridian, Mississippi. When she was a child, her family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. By the time she was 10 years old, Marie was already performing. She would do impressions of the famous dancer Josephine Baker at her church.
In her teenage years, Marie's dance teacher, Mary Bruce, saw her talent. Mary included Marie in her yearly show at the Regal Theater in Chicago. Marie's first professional performance was in 1934. She performed with the legendary musician Louis Armstrong at the Grand Terrace Cafe in Chicago. After that, she became a regular singer and dancer in the shows there.
Rising to Fame
Marie Bryant then moved to Los Angeles and performed with Lionel Hampton. She also danced and sang at the famous Cotton Club in New York City with Duke Ellington. By 1939, Marie was a featured star at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. She even toured across the country with Duke Ellington.
In 1941, Marie performed in Ellington's musical show Jump For Joy in Los Angeles. She was part of the popular song "Bli-Blip." Marie also appeared in movies. She led a dance group in Carolina Blues (1944). She also sang in the short film Jammin' the Blues (1944). In this film, she was joined by great musicians like Lester Young. In 1946, she starred in the musical show Beggar's Holiday. Duke Ellington wrote the music for this show.
Teaching and Coaching
Marie Bryant was not just a performer; she was also a talented teacher. She taught at dance schools run by Katherine Dunham and Eugene Loring. There, she taught many actors, including the famous Marlon Brando. In 1948, she was a headline act at the Florentine Gardens in Los Angeles. This club was even renamed The Cotton Club. Marie taught different dance routines to the dancers there.
She also appeared in more movies, like They Live by Night (1948) and Wabash Avenue (1950) with Betty Grable. Marie toured the U.S. in "The Big Show of 1951." She performed with stars like Ethel Waters, Sarah Vaughan, and Nat King Cole.
Marie continued to teach dance to film actors. She worked with Gene Kelly, who called her "one of the finest dancers I've ever seen." She also coached Debbie Reynolds, Cyd Charisse, Betty Grable, and Ava Gardner. Marie worked as a dance coach and choreographer for major film studios. These included Paramount, 20th Century Fox, MGM, and Columbia. She even created her own dance teaching style called "controlled release."
International Tours and Later Years
In the early 1950s, Marie Bryant continued to perform in musical shows. In 1952, she toured with a group called the Harlem Blackbirds. That same year, she married John A. Rajakumar, who was the company manager.
The next year, in 1953, Marie performed in London in the musical High Spirits. She then performed all over Europe, and even in Australia and New Zealand. While in London, she performed a funny song called "The Plea." This song was against apartheid, which was a system of unfairness in South Africa. The song caused some discussion when South African Prime Minister D. F. Malan visited Britain.
Marie returned to the U.S. when her husband, John Rajakumar, became ill. He passed away in 1965. In the 1970s, Marie Bryant ran her own dance studios. She also worked as an understudy for Pearl Bailey in the stage show Hello, Dolly!. Marie continued to work as a choreographer in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Marie Bryant passed away from cancer in Los Angeles in 1978. She was 58 years old.
Film Appearances
Marie Bryant appeared in several films throughout her career:
- The Duke Is Tops (1938)
- Jammin' the Blues (1944)
- When Strangers Marry (1944; she was not credited for this role)
- They Live by Night (1948)
- Tiger by the Tail (1955)
Images for kids
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Marie Bryant in Sweet 'n Hot (1944)
See also
In Spanish: Marie Bryant para niños
