Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was raised by her grandmother in the dismal ghettoes of South Philadelphia. She began working as a hotel chambermaid for $$4.75 a week, and at age 12 she married the first of three husbands. Her goal at that time was to become a maid/companion to a wealthy white woman; instead, she launched a show-business career at 17, when she entered a local talent contest on a dare. Her exquisite, self-trained singing voice attracted the attention of a black vaudeville team, who offered her $$10 weekly to join their act. Billed as Sweet Mama... Full Ethel Waters Biography

• Ethel Waters - Actor (13)

• Ethel Waters - Full Filmography (13)

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