Home / Explore / Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters

American Actress

Ethel Waters was an American singer and actress born on October 31, 1896, in Chester, Pennsylvania. She began her career in the 1920s as a blues singer and later transitioned to jazz, swing, and pop music.

Ethel Waters was known for her powerful voice and emotional performances, and she frequently performed on Broadway and in concerts. Some of her notable recordings include "Dinah," "Stormy Weather," "Taking a Chance on Love," and "Heat Wave."

She faced many challenges in her early life. She was born to a teenage mother who had been raped, and her family lived in poverty. She never lived in the same place for more than 15 months and was raised by her grandmother and other relatives.

Despite these hardships, she began performing at a young age and was married for the first time at the age of 13. Her first marriage was abusive, and she soon left to work as a maid in a Philadelphia hotel.

Full Name Ethel Waters
Other Name Ethel Howard Sweet Mama String bean
Gender Female
Occupation Actress/Singer
Date of Birth 31-October-1896 (80 years)
Birth Year 1896
Birth Location Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Death Time 01-September-1977
Death Location Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, United States

In 1925, Ethel Waters made her Broadway debut at the Plantation Club in Harlem, and her performance there led to further opportunities on the stage. She became the first African American woman to star in her own television show and was the second African American to be nominated for an Academy Award.

Ethel Waters also starred in the 1943 film "Cabin in the Sky" and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the stage version of "The Member of the Wedding" in 1950.

She was also a devoutly religious person and toured with evangelist Billy Graham in her later years. Ethel Waters passed away on September 1, 1977, in Chatsworth, California.

Crystal Waters

Niece

John Waters

Father

Louise Anderson

Mother

Edward Mallory ​ ​

Spouse (m. 1938; div. 1945)

Clyde E. Matthews ​

Spouse ​(m. 1929; div. 1933)

Merritt Purnsley ​

Spouse ​(m. 1910; div. 1913)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Ethel Waters was 80 years old

Ethel Waters was born on 31-October-1896

Ethel Waters was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.

References
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethel_Waters

Recently Added

Amanda Cerny
Amanda Cerny American Internet Personality
Gustavo C. Garcia
Gustavo C. Garcia American Civil Rights Attorney
Ernesto Galarza
Ernesto Galarza Mexican-American Labor Organizer
Maria Echaveste
Maria Echaveste Civil Rights Activist
Bert Corona
Bert Corona Co-Founder of Centro de Acción Social Autónomo
Jeanne Córdova
Jeanne Córdova American Writer
Miguel Contreras
Miguel Contreras American Labor Union Leader

Popular Personalities

Shakira
Shakira Colombian Singer
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie American Actress and Filmmaker
Emma Stone
Emma Stone American Actress and Film Producer
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt American Actor and Film Producer
Donald Trump
Donald Trump 45th U.S. President
Madonna
Madonna American Singer and Songwriter
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga American Singer and Songwriter
Barack Obama
Barack Obama 44th U.S. President
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise American Actor and Film Producer
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama Attorney and Former First Lady of the United States