Dorothy Dandridge, an iconic singer, dancer, and pioneering African-American actress, died on September 8, 1965, at the age of 42. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 9, 1922, Dorothy Dandridge was best known for her breakout role in the 1954 hit “Carmen Jones”, for which she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She also starred in several other films, including “Island in the Sun” and “Porgy and Bess”. Dandridge's success in the entertainment industry earned her a spot on the cover of Life magazine in 1955 as the first African-American woman to grace its pages. She also had a successful career as a jazz and cabaret singer and achieved commercial success with her signature song “A Fool in Love”. Dandridge left behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering actress who paved the way for other African-American entertainers. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.