Suzette Harbin's journey to stardom began with a beauty contest win, which opened doors to a lucrative movie career. She started out appearing in numerous Hollywood films featuring African American musical numbers, showcasing her talents in singing, dancing, and simply being a stunning presence on screen. Her notable roles in the iconic films "Cabin in the Sky" (1943) and "Stormy Weather" (1943) solidified her position as a talented performer, as she delivered memorable performances with speaking parts, close-ups, and captivating dance sequences.
Suzette frequently appeared alongside Lena Horne in her musical numbers, and she also danced and sang in Duke Ellington's "Jump for Joy" musical. Her impressive repertoire of films includes "The Foxes of Harrow" (1947),"Look-Out Sister" (1947),and "Bomba and the Jungle Girl" (1952),cementing her status as a beloved star.
Her breakthrough role in "The Foxes of Harrow" catapulted her to stardom, thanks to her outstanding performance as a beautiful slave girl who would rather die than raise her child in slavery. Her portrayal was groundbreaking, as she avoided stereotypes and brought a new level of depth to the character. Her magnetic presence, trademark million-dollar smile, and versatility on stage and screen earned her a loyal fan base and commendable roles.
Suzette's impressive career saw her gracing the covers of Jet magazine and numerous black newspapers of the time. In addition to her film and stage work, she entertained the GIs in Korea during the early 1950s, earning her a reputation as a talented performer who could captivate audiences of all kinds. While Marilyn Monroe received more publicity for her performances, it was Suzette who received a bigger applause from the GIs, with many attending her shows in greater numbers.
