Marguerite Whitten, also known as Margaret Whitten, was a remarkable and talented actress who made a significant impact in both the golden era of Hollywood and black cinema. With her sweet and likable presence on screen, she delivered enjoyable performances that never required overacting. Margaret's ability to fully embody her characters, mind, heart, and soul, set her apart as a fine actress.
As one of the many black actresses who introduced a new image of black women in movies, Margaret portrayed sophisticated, intelligent, elegant, graceful, and sweet characters. She appeared in numerous "A"-grade black films, known as "race" films, which were popular among black audiences for featuring black actors and actresses in a variety of roles. Margaret's leading men included notable figures such as Joe Louis, Herb Jeffries, Monte Hawley, and Mantan Moreland.
In mainstream Hollywood movies, Margaret sometimes had to play stereotypical roles that were typical for black performers at the time. However, her exceptional skill and talent allowed her to transcend these limitations, making her characters shine and changing the narrative to something more positive. Her small but significant role in Way Down South (1939) is a testament to her acting abilities, as she conveyed a touching performance as a slave in love with another slave, both facing the possibility of being sold and separated.
Margaret was also a talented singer and dancer, showcasing her skills in a few films. Her warm voice, gestures, and eyes captivated audiences, and her magnetic, charming, and charismatic presence always helped her steal scenes. Once you saw her, you would never forget her.
Margaret Whitten is an unsung black actress who made significant contributions to her race and Black and Hollywood cinema. She deserves much more recognition than she has received, and her legacy as an actress and not a stereotype continues to inspire and influence new generations of performers.
