Mae Turner, a ravishing beauty, reigned supreme as one of the most captivating femme fatales, vamps, and hussies in Black Cinema during the 1930s. Her acting prowess enabled her to convincingly portray the woman who would be the downfall of a man, earning her the reputation as a master of the "woman you love to hate" role.
With a devilish, crooked smile, Mae Turner brought her characters to life, showcasing her remarkable acting abilities. Her on-screen presence was reminiscent of the likes of Black Claire Trevor and Barbara Stanwyck, with her ability to effortlessly convey a wicked persona. What made Mae an exceptional actress was her remarkable talent for making audiences believe she was a wicked woman, despite her not being one in reality - a testament to her exceptional acting skills.
Mae Turner's talents extended beyond acting, as she was also a gifted singer with a smooth, velvet voice. She showcased her vocal abilities in the film "Spirit of Youth," where she sang alongside Joe Louis, leading him to ruin, but ultimately redeeming herself.
Regarded as one of the Queens of Devil-May-Care women in Cinema history, Mae Turner's performances in films such as "Spirit of Youth," "Two Gun Man From Harlem," and potentially "Life Goes On" and "Am I Guilty?" continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Mae Turner's journey to stardom was marked by her formal education, where she attended the University of California and studied acting, participating in local productions while attaining a degree and earning an A.K.A. sorority pin. Her impressive theatrical credentials included a standout performance as Lady MacBeth in the Federal Theatre's Coast production of Orson Welles' hit play, which rocked New York.
It was no surprise that Million Dollar Productions, the first black movie company in Hollywood, sought to feature Mae Turner in their films. Her elegance, class, and exceptional acting abilities made her a standout in their productions, delivering memorable performances that left a lasting impact on Black Cinema.
Mae Turner remains an unsung talent in Movie history, with her remarkable contributions to Black Cinema arguably making her one of the best female actresses of her time.
