Edna Mae Harris

Edna Mae Harris was one of the bestknown Black actresses of the 1930s and 1940s She starred in many allblack cast independently produced movies of the day An attractive woman who had a soulful voice personality and sex appeal she could sing dance and act The personification of a Harlem performer Edna found fame by playing in both stage and screen versions of The Green Pastures 1936 as Zeba Audiences loved her and she received glorious reviews so it was no surprise when Hollywood asked her to repeat her role on screen to wide acclaim Edna Mae was very much in demand starring in some of the top Black movies such as Spirit of Youth 1938 Paradise in Harlem 1939 Sunday Sinners 1940 The Notorious Elinor Lee 1940 and Tall Tan and Terrific 1946 showing her excellent acting skills in drama and comedy Edna Mae Harris got to tell her story in her later years in the documentary Midnight Ramble 1994 about independently produced Black films