Moms Mabley
Actor
About Moms Mabley
Moms Mabley, born Jackie Mabley, was a groundbreaking African-American comedian and actress who rose from humble beginnings in North Carolina to become one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century. She began her career in minstrel shows and vaudeville circuits as a teenager, adopting the stage name 'Moms' from an early boyfriend. Her film career began with a role in the 1933 adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's 'The Emperor Jones,' starring Paul Robeson, which marked one of her earliest screen appearances. Throughout her career, Mabley broke numerous barriers as an openly bisexual woman and a bold social commentator who fearlessly addressed racism, sexuality, and social injustice through her comedy. She achieved mainstream success in the 1960s with her comedy albums and television appearances, becoming the oldest person ever to have a Top 40 hit with 'Abraham, Martin and John' in 1969. Her unique comedic style, characterized by her signature oversized housedresses and toothless grin, influenced generations of comedians and performers. Mabley's career spanned over six decades, from the Chitlin' Circuit to Carnegie Hall, making her a true pioneer in American entertainment.
The Craft
On Screen
Moms Mabley's acting style was characterized by her naturalistic delivery and ability to blend comedy with dramatic moments. She often portrayed wise, elderly characters who used humor to address serious social issues. Her performances were marked by a distinctive cadence and timing that she perfected through years of live performance. In 'The Emperor Jones,' she demonstrated her ability to handle dramatic material while maintaining her authentic persona. Her screen presence was magnetic, combining maternal warmth with sharp wit and social commentary.
Milestones
- Film debut in The Emperor Jones (1933)
- Regular performer at the Apollo Theater
- First African-American woman to establish herself as a solo comedy headliner
- Recorded successful comedy albums in the 1960s
- Television appearances on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and The Ed Sullivan Show
- Carnegie Hall performance at age 67
- 1969 Top 40 hit with 'Abraham, Martin and John'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Grammy Hall of Fame Award for 'Abraham, Martin and John'
- Inducted into the International Women in Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame
Nominated
- Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Recording (1970)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1975)
- Apollo Theater Hall of Fame Inductee
- Comedy Hall of Fame Inductee
- NAACP Image Award posthumously
- US Postal Service commemorative stamp (2023)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Moms Mabley revolutionized American comedy by breaking racial and gender barriers, becoming the first African-American woman to achieve national recognition as a stand-up comedian. Her fearless approach to taboo subjects, including racism, sexuality, and politics, paved the way for future generations of comedians to address controversial topics. She challenged stereotypes about African-American women and aging, presenting herself as a sexual being well into her senior years. Her success in mainstream entertainment during the height of segregation demonstrated the power of comedy to transcend racial boundaries. Mabley's influence extended beyond entertainment into the civil rights movement, as her comedy often contained subtle and overt messages about racial equality and social justice.
Lasting Legacy
Moms Mabley's legacy endures through her profound influence on American comedy and her role as a cultural pioneer. She broke ground for African-American performers, women comedians, and LGBTQ entertainers, creating opportunities for those who followed. Her comedy albums continue to be studied and appreciated, and her performances are preserved in film and television archives. The 2013 documentary 'Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley' brought her story to new audiences, cementing her place in entertainment history. Her induction into multiple halls of fame and the 2023 USPS commemorative stamp recognize her lasting contributions to American culture.
Who They Inspired
Moms Mabley directly influenced countless comedians, from Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx to contemporary performers like Whoopi Goldberg, Wanda Sykes, and Mo'Nique. Her technique of using comedy as social commentary became a template for politically conscious comedians. Her ability to find humor in pain and address serious issues through laughter inspired generations of performers to use their platforms for social commentary. Her success as an older performer challenged ageism in entertainment and demonstrated that talent has no expiration date. Many comedians credit her with paving the way for their careers and cite her as a primary influence on their comedic style and approach.
Off Screen
Moms Mabley led a remarkably progressive personal life for her era, being openly bisexual and having relationships with both men and women. She had six children, though she rarely spoke about her family life publicly. Her early years were marked by hardship, including being raped at age 11 and giving birth to her first child at age 13. Despite these challenges, she maintained a resilient spirit that informed her comedy. She was known for her generosity and often supported other performers and her community financially.
Education
Limited formal education; learned through experience in traveling shows and vaudeville circuits
Family
- Jack Mabley (1910-1915)
- Jimmy 'Butterbeans' Burton (1920-1925)
Did You Know?
- She got the name 'Moms' from a boyfriend she had at age 14
- She was the first female comedian to perform at Carnegie Hall
- She had all her teeth pulled in her 20s to avoid being forced into prostitution
- Her signature look included oversized housedresses and a baggy hat
- She was one of the first openly bisexual performers in American entertainment
- She appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show more than 20 times
- Her 1969 album 'Moms Mabley at the UN' was recorded live at the United Nations
- She performed for troops during World War II and the Korean War
- She was once banned from performing in Baltimore for being 'too suggestive'
- She owned and operated her own comedy club in Harlem called 'Moms Place'
- She never learned to read or write but memorized all her material
- She was a regular performer at the Apollo Theater for over 40 years
In Their Own Words
A woman's a woman till the day she dies, but a man's only a man as long as he can.
If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.
I don't know what's wrong with these young folks today. They want to get married and they don't even know how to cook.
The only thing better than love is money, because money won't give you no trouble.
When I was young, we had to walk to school barefoot in the snow, uphill both ways. And we liked it!
I ain't afraid of death. I just don't want to be there when it happens.
You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoes and wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Moms Mabley?
Moms Mabley was a pioneering African-American comedian and actress who broke racial and gender barriers in entertainment. She became one of the first successful female stand-up comedians and was known for her bold social commentary on racism, sexuality, and social issues. Her career spanned over six decades from vaudeville to television and film.
What films is Moms Mabley best known for?
Moms Mabley is best known for her film debut in 'The Emperor Jones' (1933) starring Paul Robeson. She also appeared in 'Killer Diller' (1948), 'The Big Show' (1961), and her final film role in 'Amazing Grace' (1974) alongside other comedy legends.
When was Moms Mabley born and when did she die?
Moms Mabley was born Jackie Mabley on March 19, 1894, in Brevard, North Carolina. She died on May 23, 1975, at age 81 in White Plains, New York, leaving behind a legacy as one of comedy's greatest pioneers.
What awards did Moms Mabley win?
Moms Mabley received numerous honors including a Grammy Hall of Fame Award for her recording of 'Abraham, Martin and John,' a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and induction into the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame and Comedy Hall of Fame. She was also honored with a commemorative USPS stamp in 2023.
What was Moms Mabley's comedic style?
Moms Mabley's comedic style was characterized by her sharp social commentary, fearless approach to taboo subjects, and unique delivery. She often appeared as a toothless grandmother figure who used humor to address serious issues like racism, sexuality, and politics. Her timing, wit, and ability to find humor in pain made her a revolutionary voice in American comedy.
How did Moms Mabley influence other comedians?
Moms Mabley directly influenced generations of comedians including Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, and Wanda Sykes. She paved the way for political comedy, demonstrated that women could headline comedy shows, and showed performers could address controversial topics through humor. Her success as an openly bisexual performer also opened doors for LGBTQ entertainers.
What made Moms Mabley unique in her era?
Moms Mabley was unique for being an openly bisexual African-American woman who achieved mainstream success during the height of segregation. She challenged stereotypes about age, gender, and sexuality, and was one of the first comedians to address social issues directly in her act. Her ability to maintain a career spanning over six decades made her a true pioneer in entertainment.
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Films
1 film
