Actress. Born as one of five children, to leading members of Hartford's African American community and devout members of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, her parents Mary and Henry Canty, laid the foundation for much of the performers later social activism. Her acclaim for performances in theater, radio, motion pictures and television are known to have assisted in paving the way for minority performers. While her roles often portrayed domestic service, she showed a dignity in performing them. While attending the Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing in New York City she had her first opportunity on Broadway, which led to a walk-on role in the 1933 film version of the Emperor Jones. She appeared in more than 40 films and several other Broadway shows before ending her acting career at 51. She participated in many organizations and served on a number of boards during her post-acting years, but her chief concern was to be available to her father as his care needs increased. During this period her social and political activism also increased her renown as a pioneer in advancing opportunities for women and minorities. She received numerous awards including Araat Chapter, B'nai B'rith, for outstanding civic service, 1960; the Humanitarian Award, Hartford Section of National Council of Women, 1969; and the certificate of Service and Award Recognition, American Red Cross. She died at the age of 80 in her Wahl Avenue home in Hartford.
Actress. Born as one of five children, to leading members of Hartford's African American community and devout members of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, her parents Mary and Henry Canty, laid the foundation for much of the performers later social activism. Her acclaim for performances in theater, radio, motion pictures and television are known to have assisted in paving the way for minority performers. While her roles often portrayed domestic service, she showed a dignity in performing them. While attending the Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing in New York City she had her first opportunity on Broadway, which led to a walk-on role in the 1933 film version of the Emperor Jones. She appeared in more than 40 films and several other Broadway shows before ending her acting career at 51. She participated in many organizations and served on a number of boards during her post-acting years, but her chief concern was to be available to her father as his care needs increased. During this period her social and political activism also increased her renown as a pioneer in advancing opportunities for women and minorities. She received numerous awards including Araat Chapter, B'nai B'rith, for outstanding civic service, 1960; the Humanitarian Award, Hartford Section of National Council of Women, 1969; and the certificate of Service and Award Recognition, American Red Cross. She died at the age of 80 in her Wahl Avenue home in Hartford.
Bio by: D C McJonathan-Swarm
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