In the early history of film and television, a few brave souls stood their ground and offered immovable support to minority performers in the entertainment industry. Those included Clark Gable, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, and Betty White.
A Closer Look
Clark Gable, who died in 1960, refused to continue playing Rhett Butler, his most famous role, in the 1939 big-screen classic, Gone With The Wind, until the movie’s set became non-segregated.
Lucille Ball, who died in 1989, refused to star in her legendary 1950s TV sitcom I Love Lucy unless the show co-starred her real-life husband and famed Cuban entertainer, Desi Arnaz.
Iconic crooner Frank Sinatra, who died in 1998, refused to perform in Las Vegas hotels (among other venues) that did not feature African-American entertainers such as Harry Belafonte, and Sammy Davis Jr., among others.
Beloved legend Betty White, who died in 2021, refused to work on her early TV variety show unless it featured African-American dancer Arthur Duncan (later of The Lawrence Welk Show).
A Legacy of Courage
Clark Gable, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, and Betty White were only a few of the courageous celebrities who displayed support for their minority colleagues in the early days of Hollywood.
