Rogenia Goldthwaite
Actor
About Rogenia Goldthwaite
Rogenia Goldthwaite was an African American actress who appeared in the groundbreaking 1941 race film 'The Blood of Jesus,' directed by Spencer Williams. Her role as Sister Rogenia placed her among the cast of what would become one of the most significant and enduring films in African American cinema history. The film was produced on an extremely low budget by the Texas-based production company Sack Amusement Enterprises, which specialized in films for Black audiences. Goldthwaite's participation in this religious-themed drama reflects the important role that community members often played in race film productions, where professional actors were sometimes supplemented by local talent. Her single known film appearance came during a crucial period when African American filmmakers were creating their own cinematic narratives outside the Hollywood system. The film itself was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1991, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Unfortunately, like many performers from race films of this era, detailed biographical information about Goldthwaite's life and career remains scarce in historical records.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Blood of Jesus' (1941), now preserved in the National Film Registry
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Rogenia Goldthwaite's contribution to 'The Blood of Jesus' represents the important role that community actors played in the creation of race films during the segregation era. These films provided crucial representation and cultural expression for African American audiences excluded from mainstream Hollywood productions. Her participation in this now-historic film has earned her a place in the preservation of African American cinema history, as the film itself has been recognized by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance.
Lasting Legacy
Though her filmography consists of only one known appearance, Rogenia Goldthwaite's legacy is tied to the enduring importance of 'The Blood of Jesus' in American film history. The film has been studied by scholars as a prime example of religious-themed race films and continues to be screened at film festivals and retrospectives dedicated to African American cinema. Her performance contributes to the film's authentic portrayal of African American religious life and community values.
Who They Inspired
As a participant in one of the most significant race films of the 1940s, Goldthwaite represents the countless unsung actors who helped create an alternative cinema for Black audiences during Hollywood's segregation era. The film's survival and recognition has helped bring attention to these pioneering performers and their contributions to American film culture.
Off Screen
Very little personal information is available about Rogenia Goldthwaite, as was common for many supporting actors in race films of the 1940s. She appears to have been a community member who participated in the making of 'The Blood of Jesus' rather than a professional actress with an extensive film career.
Did You Know?
- The Blood of Jesus was one of the few race films to survive into the modern era
- The film was shot in Texas with an extremely low budget of approximately $5,000
- Rogenia Goldthwaite played a character named after herself, Sister Rogenia
- The Blood of Jesus was added to the National Film Registry in 1991
- Director Spencer Williams later became famous for his role in TV's 'Amos 'n' Andy'
- The film was rediscovered and restored in the 1980s, bringing renewed attention to its cast
- Race films like this were shown in segregated theaters serving African American audiences
- The film combines religious themes with elements of African American folk culture
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rogenia Goldthwaite?
Rogenia Goldthwaite was an African American actress best known for her role as Sister Rogenia in the 1941 race film 'The Blood of Jesus.' Her single known film appearance places her among the cast of what became one of the most significant films in African American cinema history.
What films is Rogenia Goldthwaite best known for?
Rogenia Goldthwaite is known for her appearance in 'The Blood of Jesus' (1941), a religious-themed race film directed by Spencer Williams. This appears to be her only film credit, but the movie itself has achieved historic significance and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
When was Rogenia Goldthwaite born and when did she die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Rogenia Goldthwaite are not available in historical records. This lack of biographical information is common for many supporting actors who appeared in race films of the 1940s.
What awards did Rogenia Goldthwaite win?
There are no recorded awards or nominations specifically for Rogenia Goldthwaite. However, the film she appeared in, 'The Blood of Jesus,' was recognized by the Library of Congress when it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1991.
What was Rogenia Goldthwaite's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of her work and the fact that she appeared in only one known film, specific details about Rogenia Goldthwaite's acting style are not available. Like many actors in race films of this era, she likely brought authenticity to her role as a community member participating in the production.
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Films
1 film
