Clora Bryant (1910-2017) was an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her appearances in vaudeville and on Broadway.
Bryant was born Cora Estelle Bryant in Louisville, Kentucky on August 25, 1910. She began her career at the age of three, performing in a vaudeville show with her parents. She was a natural performer and her talent was quickly spotted by many prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
At the age of sixteen, she moved to New York City and began performing on Broadway. She was featured in productions of “Blackbirds of 1928”, “Blackbirds of 1933”, “Porgy and Bess”, and “Hot Mikado”, among others.
Bryant also made a number of appearances on television. She was featured in the sitcom “Maude”, and appeared in the films “The Sunshine Boys” and “Let’s Do It Again”. She was also a guest on many popular talk shows, including “The Tonight Show” and “The Mike Douglas Show”.
Throughout her life, Bryant remained active in the entertainment industry. She was featured in films, television shows, and stage productions until the late 1990s. She also worked as a voiceover artist and was featured in numerous commercials.
Bryant was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Dick Powell, and her second marriage was to actor/producer David Thomas.
Bryant was an active member of the entertainment community for nearly a century. She was a member of the Actors' Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. She was also a founding member of the Black Actors Guild.
Bryant died in California on October 22, 2017 at the age of 107. She was inducted into the National Vaudeville Association Hall of Fame in 2018, and was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Black Film Festival in 2019.
Clora Bryant is remembered for her amazing talent, her longevity in the entertainment industry, and her commitment to her craft. She was an inspiration to many, and an example of what dedication and hard work can achieve. Her legacy lives on in her accomplishments and the many actors, dancers, and singers who followed in her footsteps.
