Francine Everett, widely regarded as the most beautiful woman in Harlem and one of the most stunning actresses to ever appear on screen, gained widespread recognition among black audiences through her work in race films, now known as Black Cinema.
As one of the few actresses to achieve movie stardom through Black Cinema, Francine could proudly call herself a true actress. Her beauty was relatable to black audiences because she maintained a down-to-earth quality, warmth, and attainability, unlike Hollywood stars Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge, who often developed an aloofness to appeal to white audiences.
Despite the low-budget nature of Black Cinema films, Francine's performances were of the highest caliber, as if she were working on Hollywood productions. Her talent and dedication shone through in each film, with minimal direction required to deliver stellar performances.
When not acting, Francine pursued a variety of other creative endeavors. She appeared in over 100 soundies, showcasing her singing and dancing talents. She modeled for print ads, magazines, and newspapers, and even sang in nightclubs, captivating audiences with her soulful, charming voice.
As a dancer, Francine was a member of the popular dance group The Four Black Cats, which toured the United States. She also performed on Broadway in shows like Humming Sam and Swing It, which were huge hits.
Francine began her career in show business at a young age, studying and acting with the Federal Theater in Harlem, sponsored by the Works Progress Administration. She later married legendary actor Rex Ingram, who gained fame for his starring role in the film "Green Pastures." Francine was offered the role of an angel in the film but declined, citing the stereotype.
Francine's most notable film appearances include "Paradise in Harlem" (1939),"Keep Punching" (1939),"Big Timers" (1945),"Stars on Parade," "Tall, Tan, and Terrific" (1946),"Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A." (1946),"Ebony Parade" (1947),and the Hollywood films "Lost Boundaries" and "No Way Out" (1950).
In "Paradise in Harlem," Francine delivered a compelling performance as Desdemona in a Shakespearean portrayal, showcasing her versatility and talent. Her work in these films demonstrates why she is considered one of the best black actresses in history.
Although Hollywood attempted to recruit Francine, she refused to play stereotypical maid roles, instead choosing to work in Black Cinema, where she could play roles suited to her talents.
