Peggy Ann Freeman
AKA Donyale Luna
August 31, 1945 – May 17, 1979
Peggy Ann Freeman, known professionally as Donyale Luna, was an American model and actress who gained significant popularity in Western Europe during the late 1960s. Often recognized as “the first Black supermodel,” Luna made history by becoming the first African-American model to grace the cover of the British edition of Vogue in March 1966.
While Luna holds the distinction of being the first Black cover model, it’s important to note that she followed in the footsteps of earlier Black models, such as Aïcha Goblet, Adrienne Fidelin, Sarah Harris, Bani Yelverton, and Anthea August, who had already made inroads into the predominantly white modeling industry before Luna’s breakthrough. Luna’s career emerged during a period when the modeling world favored models who could pass as white, making her a trailblazer who helped diversify beauty standards.
Throughout her career, Luna graced the covers of 11 fashion magazines between 1965 and 1975. Additionally, she ventured into the world of underground cinema, appearing in Andy Warhol’s screen tests in 1966 and securing roles in films like “Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo?” (1966), Federico Fellini’s “Fellini Satyricon” (1969), and Otto Preminger’s “Skidoo” (1968), where she portrayed the character known as “God’s Mistress.” Luna’s impact on the modeling and film industries left an enduring legacy that contributed to greater diversity in beauty ideals.
Awards and Honors
- The first African-American model to appear on the cover of British Vogue in March 1966.
- Recognized as “the first Black supermodel” for her groundbreaking contributions to the fashion industry.
- Featured on 11 fashion magazine covers between 1965 and 1975.
- Made appearances in influential underground films, including Andy Warhol’s screen tests in 1966.
- Acted in notable films like “Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo?” (1966), Federico Fellini’s “Fellini Satyricon” (1969), and Otto Preminger’s “Skidoo” (1968), where she portrayed the character “‘God’s Mistress.”