Leslie Marian Uggams
b. May 25, 1943, Gemini, Harlem, NY
Born to parents who were also performers, Leslie started professionally in show business in 1951 playing Ethel Waters’ niece on Beulah. In that same year, she was also a featured performer at the Apollo Theater with Ella Fitzgerald.
In 1954, a 10 years old, she recorded her first record for MGM.
In 1969, Leslie’s variety show was the first to be hosted by a Black woman and a Black person in general since Nat King Cole hosted his in the 50s.
Her career boasts performances on Broadway in shows such as On Golden Pond and in Hallelujah, Baby!, a role that won her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1968.
She was nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe in 1977 for her iconic role as Kizzy in Roots. She also won a Daytime Emmy in 1983 for her role in Fantasy.
Leslie has been on television and theater screens since the 50s, with her most recent role in American Fiction (2023). She has been in everything from Sugar Hill, to Empire, Deadpool, All My Children, and Mod Squad.
To break ground so young and after decades, still be relevant is goddess energy for sure.