Fredericka Carolyn “Fredi” Washington
(December 23, 1903 – June 28, 1994)
Fredi Washington’s life journey, marked by her remarkable contributions to film, theater, activism, and writing, began on December 23, 1903, in Savannah, Georgia. Born to Robert T. Washington, a postal worker, and Harriet “Hattie” Walker Ward, a dancer of African American and European ancestry, Fredi was the second of five children. Tragically, her mother passed away when Fredi was just 11 years old, leaving her to help raise her siblings alongside their grandmother.
After relocating to Harlem, New York, Fredi completed her education at Julia Richman High School. Her early exposure to the vibrant cultural scene of Harlem sparked her passion for the arts and laid the groundwork for her future career.
Fredi’s entertainment journey commenced in 1921 when she joined the chorus of the Broadway musical Shuffle Along. Under the mentorship of dancer Josephine Baker, she quickly rose to prominence, catching the eye of producer Lee Shubert. Soon, Fredi transitioned to acting and garnered acclaim for her performances on both stage and screen.
In the late 1920s, Fredi made her foray into film, appearing in notable productions such as Black and Tan (1929) and The Emperor Jones (1933). However, it was her portrayal of Peola in the 1934 film Imitation of Life that solidified her legacy. Playing a light-skinned Black woman who passes as white, Fredi challenged racial stereotypes and earned widespread recognition for her compelling performance.
Beyond her acting career, Fredi was a staunch advocate for civil rights. In 1937, she co-founded the Negro Actors Guild of America (NAG), advocating for greater representation and fair treatment of Black actors in Hollywood. Her activism extended to her involvement with the NAACP, where she lobbied for federal protection of Black Americans and fought against racial discrimination in the entertainment industry.
Despite facing limited opportunities and typecasting in Hollywood, Fredi continued to pursue her passion for the arts. She transitioned to writing and served as the entertainment editor for The People’s Voice, a newspaper dedicated to African American issues. Through her writing, Fredi fearlessly addressed racism and inequality, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
Fredi’s personal life saw its share of triumphs and challenges. She married Lawrence Brown, a trombonist in Duke Ellington’s orchestra, in 1933, but the marriage ended in divorce. In 1952, she married Hugh Anthony Bell, a dentist, and settled in Greenwich, Connecticut.
On June 28, 1994, Fredi Washington Bell passed away at the age of 90 due to pneumonia following a series of strokes. Her legacy lives on through her groundbreaking contributions to film, theater, and activism.
Throughout her illustrious career, Fredi received numerous honors and awards, including induction into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1975 and the CIRCA Award for lifetime achievement in the performing arts in 1979. Additionally, she was recognized by the Audience Development Company (AUDELCO) in 1981 for her significant contributions to African-American theater.
Fredi Washington’s filmography, including iconic roles in Square Joe (1922), Ouanga (1936), and One Mile from Heaven (1937), remains a testament to her enduring impact on the entertainment industry. As a trailblazer for racial equality and artistic excellence, Fredi’s legacy continues to inspire generations of actors, activists, and artists striving to create a more inclusive world.
Legacy and honors
In 1975, Washington was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.
In 1979, Washington received the CIRCA Award for lifetime achievement in the performing arts.
In 1981, Washington received an award from the Audience Development Company (AUDELCO), a New York-based nonprofit group devoted to preserving and promoting African-American theater