WHAT WOULD HATTIE MCDANIEL THINK?
In 1938 Hattie McDaniels won the role of Mammy in the film Gone With The Wind. Her salary from the film was $450 a week. During the 1940′s she earned no less than $31,000 for the film projects she did. This was a huge deal back then but no where near the amount her white counterparts were earning.
Fast forward to 2010 and Forbes has just released its Celebrity 100 Power list ranking the most powerful celebrities in the world. While not a big deal in most people’s eyes I think it should be noted that the number 1 & 2 most powerful celebrities in the world according to Forbes magazine are two African American women.
I think I should repeat that again. The two most powerful celebrities in Hollywood and the world according to Forbes magazine are both African American women.
1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Beyonce Knowles-Carter
Oprah Winfrey earned $315 million in 2009 and Beyonce earned over $86 million in the same time frame.
That is something.
Even though there continue to be major disparities between the wealth of people of color and white Americans. The symbol of two black women topping Forbes is a powerful one.
Congratulations to both Oprah and Beyonce for their significant achievements.
I’m sure Hattie McDaniels would be proud.
Posted on June 28, 2010, in Achievement. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.
However, we are talking about two media moguls. If Hattie could see the plight of aspiring black actresses in Hollywood, NOW, she would probably say that not much has changed.