Cleo Desmond (born Minnie Matilda Hatfield, April 25, 1880 – October 6, 1958) was an American actress and vaudeville performer who had a long career on the stage and screen.[1]

Cleo Desmond
Born
Minnie Matilda Hatfield

April 25, 1880
DiedOctober 6, 1958 (aged 78)
OccupationActress

She began acting and performing at a young age, appearing in plays and in vaudeville acts as early as 1903 under the stage name Cleo Desmond. She gained nationwide attention as a member of the Lafayette Players. She and Andrew S. Bishop drew adoring fans to their theatrical performances.[2]

She eventually won some film roles and was cast in several of Oscar Micheaux's films.[1][3][4]

Selected filmography

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References

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  1. ^ a b Peterson, Bernard L. (2001). Profiles of African American Stage Performers and Theatre People, 1816-1960. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 9780313295348.
  2. ^ Hill, Errol; Hatch, James V. (July 17, 2003). A History of African American Theatre. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521624435 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Simms ̓blue Book and National Negro Business and Professional Directory. James N. Simms. 1923.
  4. ^ Hill, Errol (2000-04-01). The Theatre of Black Americans: A Collection of Critical Essays. Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 9781476841571.