Celebrity News
Black History Caught on Film: Actress Theresa Harris Deserves All the Credit
by Betti Halsell
The acknowledgment gives artists their purpose. During the early development of motion picture, African American roles were set to subservient levels, and even when the acting was outstanding, Black talent did not see their names in the rolling credits. However, phenomenal actors and actresses like Theresa Harris still pushed for their name to be recognized and for their talent to be acknowledged.
It was New Years’ Eve, the turn of 1906, a star was born to Isaiah and Mable Harris. They were former sharecroppers from Louisiana. Harris was 11-years-old when her family migrated west, to Southern California. She attended Jefferson High School and studied at UCLA Conservatory of Music. Finding her passion in the arts, Harris connected with the “Lafayette Players,” a theatre group that performed comedic musicals.
In 1929, she was attracted to the spotlight, making her debut in the movie Thunderbolt, her voice carrying the soothing remedy to a restless audience, stealing every scene she was in. Harris presented her singing talent as her character of a jazz singer, she serenaded the viewers with, “Daddy won’t you please come home,” no one could take their eyes off of her. Other songs she christened included the “St. Luis Blues,” a masterful piece, showcasing her range and endurance.
Although she pushed for more leading roles, Harris was commonly cast as a maid, or in her words “a stooge or servant.” None the less Harris kept acting, with 18 different appearances, Harris played crucial assisting roles to some of the most iconic actresses that were highlighted during that time, yet for most of her acting career, she received zero credit.
Quoting her from IMDb, Harris stated, “I never felt the chance to rise above the role of a maid in Hollywood movies. My color was against me. The fact that I was not ‘hot’ stamped me as either an uppity ‘Negress’ or relegated me to the eternal role of stooge or servant. I can sing but so can hundreds of other girls. My ambitions are to be an actress. Hollywood had no parts for me.”
Harris continued to perform for over two decades, until her last appearance in 1958. For a young Black actress, her personal life (that’s recorded) was pretty traditional, she married only once, to a doctor and lived comfortably into retirement from the investment money she made while acting. To watch Mrs. Harris in her prime was enchanting and impeccable; Harris deserves all the credit and more for her cadence, style, and unmatched talent.
Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed director of Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has confirmed that Hollywood legend Denzel Washington will join the cast of Black Panther 3. This announcement came during Coogler’s appearance on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast, where he revealed that he has written a role specifically for the two-time Oscar winner, whom he regards as “the greatest living actor.”
Washington first hinted at his involvement in the Marvel project during a November 2024 interview on the Today show in Australia, generating excitement among fans. Coogler, who has long admired Washington, expressed his enthusiasm about their upcoming collaboration, noting their close relationship and Washington’s cultural significance. “Denzel is family at this point,” he said in the interview.
Although Marvel Studios has not officially announced Black Panther 3, the franchise’s success, having grossed over $2 billion globally from its first two films, makes a third installment a logical step. The film is still in early development, and while there is no confirmed release date, Coogler hinted that it’s “not long” away, potentially targeting a 2028 release following Avengers: Secret Wars.
Speculation about Washington’s role is abundant, with fans suggesting he could portray a new Wakandan character, a historical figure like Bashenga, or even a multiverse variant of T’Challa or T’Chaka. The emotional connection to the late Chadwick Boseman, who credited Washington’s mentorship for his career, adds significant weight to this casting choice.
Halle Berry and Van Hunt went public with their relationship in September 2020. After five years of dating, Hunt, a Grammy-winning musician, proposed to the Oscar-winning actress, but Berry has not yet accepted.
Berry’s decision to decline Hunt’s proposal, at least for now, stems primarily from her history with marriage. The actress has been married three times previously—to former MLB player David Justice (1993–1997), singer Eric Benét (2001–2005), and actor Olivier Martinez (2013–2016). She also shares a daughter, Nahla, 17, with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, and a son, Maceo, 11, with Martinez. Hunt has been married once and has a teenage son, Drake.
During the Today interview, Berry explained, “Well, I’ve been married three times. Van has been married once, and so no, we don’t feel like we have to get married to validate our love in any way. We don’t.”
While Berry has not accepted Hunt’s proposal, she has not ruled out marriage entirely. In the same interview, she expressed that she believes Hunt is the right partner for her, stating, “I think we will get married just because, out of the people I’ve been married to, this is the person I should have married.” She added that any future marriage would be a choice made out of desire for expression, not obligation, and hinted at a potential wedding “soon.”
Batwoman‘s star Javicia Leslie is engaged!
The 37-year-old shared the exciting news via Instagram earlier today with a caption that reads, “An answered prayer.”
According to his bio, Leslie’s now-fiancé, Nana-Yaw Asamoah, is a New York native and a sports and entertainment executive. He currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer of AMB Sports and Entertainment.
While the couple’s romantic relationship has not been public until now, Leslie has been open about being bisexual. In fact, she is the first Black and queer woman to play the aforementioned DC’s superhero.
During an interview on E! News’ Daily Pop, the actress shared that her role in the CW series inspired her to come out to her mom. “For me, I never felt like I had to hide anything,” Leslie said. “That wasn’t really where I was coming from. I just hadn’t had a conversation, so I just wanted to talk to my mom about it because I was living my life. I just wanted to be able to talk to her so she didn’t have to be told through the media.”
According to the shared Instagram post, Asamoah proposed to Leslie in Napa Valley, at what appears to be a winery, in front of a beautiful mountain backdrop. Friends, family, and fans flooded the comment section with congratulations and best wishes to the couple. We are joining in as well!
Keke Palmer Is A Criminal Mastermind in ‘The Pickup’ Starring Eddie Murphy & Pete Davidson (Trailer)
Ryan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington Will Star in ‘Black Panther 3’
Here Is Why Halle Berry Declined Van Hunt’s Proposal After 5 Years Of Dating
Batwoman’s Javicia Leslie Gets Engaged in Napa Valley
‘Love Is Blind’ Alumni Lauren and Cameron Hamilton Announce First Pregnancy
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Celebrity News3 weeks agoRyan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington Will Star in ‘Black Panther 3’
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Celebrity News3 weeks agoHere Is Why Halle Berry Declined Van Hunt’s Proposal After 5 Years Of Dating
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Film & TV2 weeks agoKeke Palmer Is A Criminal Mastermind in ‘The Pickup’ Starring Eddie Murphy & Pete Davidson (Trailer)