21 Facts About Louise Beavers

Louise Beavers was an American film and television actress who appeared in dozens of films and two hit television shows from the 1920s to 1960.

Louise Beavers played a prominent role in advancing the lives of black Americans through her work and collaborated with fellow advocates to improve the social standing and media image of the black community.

Louise Beavers's mother worked as a voice teacher and taught her how to sing.

Louise Beavers then worked as a dressing-room attendant for a photographer and served as a personal maid to film star Leatrice Joy.

Louise Beavers was initially hesitant to audition for film roles because of the negative portrayal of blacks in film.

Louise Beavers played Delilah in Imitation of Life, again in the role of a housekeeper, but, instead of the usual stereotypical comedic or purely functional role, Delilah's storyline constitutes a secondary parallel plot in which her problems are given considerable emotional gravity.

Louise Beavers played the lead role in the film Reform School, once thought to be a lost film, as a forward-thinking probation officer who becomes the superintendent of a reform school and implements major changes.

Louise Beavers was one of three actresses to portray housekeeper Beulah on the Beulah television show, the first television sitcom to star a black person.

Louise Beavers played a maid for the first two seasons of The Danny Thomas Show.

Louise Beavers became active in public life, seeking to help support African Americans.

Louise Beavers endorsed Robert S Abbott, the editor of The Chicago Defender, who fought for African-Americans' civil rights.

Louise Beavers supported Richard Nixon, who she believed would help black Americans in the struggle for civil rights.

Louise Beavers became a prominent and active member of the black community in Los Angeles.

Louise Beavers was involved in community functions, including those at the People's Independent Church, where she helped develop the theater program of the Young People's Lyceum.

Louise Beavers was involved in the 1939 public ceremonies celebrating development of the all-black resort Val Verde County Park.

In 1936, Louise Beavers married Robert Clark, who later became her manager.

In 1952, Louise Beavers married Leroy Moore, with whom she remained until her death in 1962.

In later life, Louise Beavers was plagued by health issues, including diabetes.

Louise Beavers died on October 26,1962, at the age of 62, following a heart attack, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles.

Louise Beavers was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1976.

Louise Beavers was an honorary member of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, one of the four historically African-American sororities and a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, referred to as the Divine 9.