Juanita Moore, From Uncredited to Oscar-Nominated

Oscar-nominated actress Juanita Moore sat with our Senior Researcher in 1995 to discuss her career in Hollywood, including the effects of colorism and racism in the industry, how McCarthyism affected her and her contemporaries, her working relationships with Debbie Reynolds, Juano Hernandez and Barbara Stanwyck and how Marlon Brando encouraged her to persevere in the industry.
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[@kenlove1472]

A true pioneer in African American cinema. Priceless!

[@rondaswindell7130]

She was 99 years old when she died and still looked great!!!

[@jaque4593]

83 or 84 depending on the month. Her bday was October 19, 1914. Black don't crack. Beautiful person

[@sugarplum5824]

I love Juanita Moore. Her performance in Imitation of Life was so powerful and moving. She brought tears to my eyes in her scene with Susan Kohner after she found her working as a showgirl and again in her death scene. She seemed so genuine and kind.

[@gloriagamble322]

Love this actress. Glad to see this.

[@timothyjohnson7337]

Miss Juanita Moore is the EPITOME of grace, elegance and fortitude. She is truly an UNSUNG HERO-OF-AN-INSPIRED & INSPIRING ARTIST!

[@yellohcards]

She was beautiful. Her performance in Imitation of Life is so wonderful and deeply moving

[@pauljames7936]

She IS beautiful...

[@shellie5617]

Her performance in Imitation of Life is the only reason to watch the movie. She made the movie rich with emotion that felt real. And Mahalia Jackson's singing couldn't have been more meaningful or beautiful. Remove Juanita and Mahalia from the movie and it would be flat and annoying.

[@eamonndeane587]

She deserved the Best Supporting Actress Oscar she was nominated for.

[@barbarakelman8597]

Ms. Moore was 81 years old when this interview occurred ... not a wrinkle on her face, absolutely beautiful. What a lovely interview. This wonderful actor not a show-off, totally down-to-earth. What great stories, particularly the conversation with Marlon Brando - amazing.

[@flavabean1847]

Black people are the most beautiful on the planet!! And Ms Moor is an awesome example!!

[@suzettebennett2564]

Moore

[@marliseisrael3017]

No Botox

[@jett87rink]

I had the great honor to spend extended time with Miss Moore on several occasions; a friend wrote the book on the behind-the-scenes of "Imitation of Life." She was a pure delight! Feisty, opinionated, funny; she kept up with current events and was a very smart lady. Warm and personable.

[@fob1xxl]

Love this woman. Ever since I saw her in "Imitation Of Life" ar the age of 13. What a terrific emotional performance and movie. I still watch it now when it comes on TV. She is one of Hollywood's rare treasures.

[@patriciacrawford2583]

In that move Imitation of life was such a wounderful movie when it comes on television it was so emotional and real it fillesme upevery time love it .

[@vistaestrada]

What a classy, genuine, and warm hearted person. Her voice is so pleasant to hear.

[@reneedennis2011]

I agree.

[@kenchambers7137]

She sure is

[@susancomva4230]

Indeed a classy

[@Spiderman7Bob7]

What a sweet soul this Juanita Moore. I have seen her in so many films from time to time. She was one of the few people who spoke well of Lana Turner when they were making "Imitation of Life" together. Juanita's role in that film was just as important as Lana's.

[@akrenwinkle]

Just curious... others spoke not-so-well about Lana Turner during the making of "Imitation?"

[@marjoriemargel1567]

I’ll tell you how true that Imitation of Life was truly Juanita Moore’s picture. During that death scene, the entire movie audience was crying! Sobbing because Miss Moore’s great portrayal. What a lovely woman. I was only 7 at the time, but I’ve never forgotten that.

[@centerfold8]

That scene tore my heart up! I’m such a mommy’s girl and I couldn’t imagine doing that to my mommy

[@Helloitsme0923]

Several years later, the end scene will make you cry.. It’s the moral plot to the movie that cements it in time… “Honor thy mother and father and thy days on this earth shall be long.” 4:17

[@Bailey2006a]

Always gave beautifully nuanced performances. She does not get the recognition she so richly deserves. Her name should have been amongst those listed by Halley Berry in her Oscar award sppech. Like Cicely Tyson,,,dignity personified.

[@reneedennis2011]

I agree.

[@privatedeborah1004]

True, she was a pioneer! Black actors at that time were seldom cast in worthy parts, Imitation of Life is her legacy, it is her movie!

[@reneedennis2011]

@@privatedeborah1004 Yup. I agree.

[@FreshRose-z3s]

She was vastly underrated. A multi tale talented performer ❤

[@CarlitaCosmetics]

Imitation of Life is my absolute favorite movie 🙏🏽💙

[@slc2466]

Wonderful to hear Ms. Moore's recollections from a fascinating career.

[@antd8259]

Legendary. You can feel the sincerity in the beautiful woman. She overcame many obstacles and paved the way for many. She saw so many things and worked hard. This interview is priceless and I can't believe she was 81 in this interview. I did not want this wonderful interview to end. May she rest in peace

[@joycemeeks3965]

At the same time, she's entitled to her comments/ opinions. She'll always be one the best actresses of her time for me.

[@duane3694]

A lovely lady and a wonderful actress!

[@sherrycoleman7363]

Such a beautiful, sweet soul. I love hearing her reflections. She makes me proud!

[@classicladi58]

I couldn’t agree more that she deserves it and her opinion re movies today is spot on.

[@bimobr65]

What a treasure she was. She and Maidie Norman never got the accolades they truly deserved. Every time I see Imitation of Life, I cry.

[@BoBo-ti6jh]

I love her. She is excellent in the film.

[@kazkazzie3906]

I loved this lady in 'Imitation of Life'. Great actress!

[@RoomscapeLondon]

Lovely & talented woman, so unpretentious and lacking of the ego of most of today's actors. Thanks for the great interview....please keep the classic stars interviews coming...a comforting company in these tragic times and an homage & glimpse of the great generation almost all gone

[@jonsmith848]

Wow So Insightful. Especially regarding Hattie McDaniel. Bravo to Ms Moore for putting those trays down.

[@woopit2011]

My Mom and I cried many an afternoon watching 'Imitation' on The 4:30 Movie on the east coast. Lovely, soulful performance by what appears to be a very lovely, soulful woman.

[@jciutube724]

Juanita Moore was a beautiful soul. It’s nice that her and Susan stayed in contact. She finally got her Hollywood walk of Fame after 70 years. I still watch Imitation of Life. It is amazing that her memory was very intact at 81. RIH Ms. Moore.

[@jeannetteduette6704]

I admire her honesty about movies being inferior.

[@mcpheejesus5945]

I greatly appreciate this interview. Ms. Moore is so delightful, lovely, and classy. A fine actress indeed! She absolutely should've won the Oscar for her role in Imitation of Life. What she delivered was so heartfelt and believable. I still cry to this day when she comes along in the movie. Racism is straight from the pit of hell, with Satan as the mastermind behind the ignorance of it all. God bless this precious woman and Marlon Brando for speaking encouraging words over her life and into her spirit. Thanks for this, TCM!

[@antonmarino6568]

Marvelous interview. Very talented performer.

[@afrogirl757]

What a fun interview. What a wonderful life. So glad to know Barbara Stanwyck was as down to earth and cool as I always thought she was. Or that she was a trained actor who did stage work as well as film.

[@privatedeborah1004]

And Debbie Reynolds too.

[@jasonqueue6300]

I just love Ms. Moore. Thank you TCM! Anyone else notice how she compared McCarthyism to "what's happening now"? In 1998 that would have been the Clinton impeachment!

[@tlynne9274]

Thank You for This Beautiful Interview with Juanita Moore Such a Beautiful Soul I could Listen to Her speak All Day Long Is there more to this interview?

[@darreylhenderson702]

What an incredible interview, I enjoyed this so much, Miss Moore was an absolute incredible talent. She's so humble and adorable here. I love her little laugh. Thank you so much for posting this gem

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

She was a beautiful actress. Such a warm presence. A performance that stands out in my memory is on the Hitchcock Hour--Davis Grubb's story "Where the Woodbine Twineth."

[@everett403]

Excellent show and she gave another great performance, along with Bernard Herrmann's brilliant music score.

[@poetcomic1]

This is something I have done of late. Look up favorite but lesser known actors roles on great early TV, much of which is free on KZbin. Check out the array of talent on just one show, The Naked City TV series. I just watched Diahann Carroll in a dramatic role far beyond her ground breaking but shallow sitcom series.

[@garymoore104]

She seems so sweet, and warm.....

[@donaldewert2332]

I wonder if Juanita Moore has a Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame?? She should if she doesn't. Imitation of Life is one of the Best movies I've ever seen. I get tears & goose bumps every time during certain parts of the movie. R.I.P. Juanita, thank you for being you!!

[@theloftons8297]

She does not, unbelievable. I did read an article that states her nephew is campaigning to get her one.

[@kimbronson3520]

She sounds so graceful and elegant.

[@kiammccutchen3510]

Just listen to her and the names she mentioned is mind blowing 🤯 #legends

[@davidpurcell8628]

Juanita what a beautiful woman😊😊😘

[@Felicity-nc6yq]

Wonderful interview. I watch Imitation of Life each time it's on TCM. Her comment about Dorothy Dandridge, "I think the business really killed her. She couldn't survive it. It was just too much." 💔

[@SoulSearch11110]

The imitation of life is my favorite and she played as the mother in The Mack!

[@Spiderman7Bob7]

I wish that we could hear the intervirw in this. It is very important because when Juanita answers some of the questions we don't know what she's answering about.

[@katerrajones702]

Thank-You TCM for posting this video. I learned so much.

[@Jasonstreamline]

She was just a lovely sweet lady.

[@devontehuntley6274]

I love how Juanita makes it KNOWN "Imitation of Life" (1959) is a remake. The second interview she's done this, telling the interviewer that it's a remake and asking if they knew that. It's good because she's giving the 1934 version credit where it's due and many who are familiar with the 1959 version isn't aware of the original which is sad, but it just goes to show how powerful the latter version did for itself, a rarity for a remake to do.

[@fredrickwilliams4351]

This was one one the most movies I can remember and a child growing up. Very PRICELESS Movie

[@richardpullen953]

Such a lovely lady and quite talented.

[@holyspacemonkey]

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Juanita Moore! Oh, how I adore her! Such a delightful, talented woman. I love how her face lit up talking about Agnes Moorehead at 10:08! And that giggle about Ethel Waters at 45:09 is just the best laugh ever!

[@BlackPantherStudios]

Great video 👍👌👏😊

[@agwestbrook4112]

Wonderful interview.

[@curtistisdale8150]

This Kept My Attention, And Truly Wanting Moore ( Hehehe)...She Was Just A Cutie Pie, This Was The Sweetest Thing...GOD REST HER BEAUTIFUL SOUL...She Didn't Say One Bad Thing About Anyone... #TrulyObsessed!!!, #TrulyBlessed!!!

[@ronlee1894]

Nick was Lightening in Amous and Andy. I still watch that on KZbin.

[@s.o.s.crawford83]

Ms. Juanita Moore is a lovely woman. What a joy to hear from her. The interviewer is awful! I wish someone else could have interviewed her.

[@josephpowell9179]

what a gorgeous personality.

[@destinygrant1246]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beautiful lady give her the damm star on Hollywood.

[@allysonkho2017]

Juanita seemed so sweet. And she is fabulous in Imitation of Life.

[@marliseisrael3017]

I really enjoyed this interview. Wish more interviews was done with Juanita Moore. Rest in Peace 🕊️🌹

[@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597]

She looks like my aunt Helen and she was a assistant chancellor for the north Carolina branch of NAACP. I definitely love her chubby cheeks and her hair. Have you ever been to the Hollywood NAACP to discuss about civil rights in the motion pictures.

[@darrylbrooks9365]

What fantastic memories!

[@SoulSearch11110]

This was such a treat! ❤🎉

[@susancomva4230]

Rip beautiful Juanita.

[@awckid3]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@solemandd67]

Beautiful 👑 Juanita Moore 🎭

[@Manrules177]

What a great star. Thank you Juanita Moore. Love Imitation of Life.

[@sonyaphillips4027]

Excellent interview loved it👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🔔🤩😁😀

[@edcampion3998]

Just watched imitation of life she was absolutely brillant

[@clairetteriley2299]

Miss moore you are so beautiful.

[@icecol22]

Juanita Moore is a very patient and kind in this interview . She's gorgeous!!!! Het performance in Imitation Of Life was magnificent. She should've won the Oscar.Tear jerker. Beautiful spirit!!!Very sweet and you can tell that these attributes are a part of her. I would've loved to have met her. Great interview. 💛💛💛

[@reneedennis2011]

Thank you for this video 🙂!

[@patriciacrawford2583]

This women was incredibly talented and beautiful and a amazing actress as well Juanita was absolutely beautiful and 81

[@jaque4593]

Really beautiful personality.

[@Miracle-td2if]

Thanks 😊

[@nr30199]

Those beautiful high cheekbones ❤. Continue to rest in peace, ma'am❤

[@v.a.993]

She starred in one of my favorite episodes of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour: Where the Woodbine Twineth.

[@Msladyrae92]

thank you for this

[@Conversationswithdee]

Such a beautiful woman!!! Rest in Heaven queen!

[@Butterfly20121967]

Great interview!!!!

[@tomcollopy2726]

"Lovely Lady" R.I.P.

[@privatedeborah1004]

Lovely warm voice, must have been a very nice and kind lady.

[@carolynjones3302]

Wow!! Wonderful to watch Kirk Kelly grandmother. She’s amazing Can’t wait to see her movie

[@meboneme1]

I LOVE THESE HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS! They were so intelligent and warm. WITH the ability to carry a CONVERSATION, more than a 5 minute snippet to sell something!

[@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597]

I love you in imitation of life and Sounder, porgy and bess, the final comedown. that's why I'm very influence along with Ruby Dee Billy Dee Williams, diana sands. Directing Is my life, I had a educational video collection for KZbin, LifeWorks. I do plays and praticing. Instruments, doing my technology to produce records. Thanks to you Mrs Moore.

[@VickySwindoll]

Beautiful lady! I cried like a baby when she died in the movie 😢

[@idaknott3310]

What a beautiful gracious woman ❤. If only joy could be bottled, we'd all live to be 99.

[@denisecobbs3305]

What an amazing actress. She will always be remembered as Sara Jane's mother. She owned that role!

[@grant1088]

She was a national treasure rip ms moore ❤ 3:32

[@akrenwinkle]

35:50 "The girl that worked for her..." was Harriet Coray, a black woman who was Stanwyck's companion as well as employee. A well-known story about Barbara was the time a segregated hotel wouldn't let Harriet in with her, and Barbara- an enormous star- threw her weight around to get Harriet in the hotel.

[@kathy2842]

What! Glad to see her, oh she did a wonderful job acting in Imitation of Life. I still watch, and it still has that same effect on me, yep, I still ball. 😭

[@deevelynoliphant1723]

Loved her in the imitation of life a very powerful movie an a great cast an everytime I cry even when I first watch it as a lil girl

[@martinop2flo45]

Gen Z will never understand how people really feel unless they watch the film “Imitation of life”

[@mercedesguzman4237]

LA ARTISTA , que hizo en MEXICO PELÍCULA 🎥 ANGELITOS NEGROS CON MANUEL OJEDA Y HERMANOS RODRÍGUEZ BELLA PELÍCULA

[@heidimoore206]

She seemed like such a lovely women

[@jameskirk1638]

Is that the Imitation Of Life lady?

[@aletheafelton]

Yes

[@summermen]

What an utterly delightful lady, but how could you cut her off just as she was about to spill some tea on Ethel Waters!

[@marjoriemargel1567]

Ethel Waters! Another wonderful iconic actress. Lovely charming person!

[@cassandramaxwell4118]

I love her!

[@marliseisrael3017]

Ethel Waters had a reputation....and the way Juanita said it was with great tact

[@joycemeeks3965]

Very nice and humble human being. I just wished she didn't "throw the baby with the bath water" comments about there being no good movies with black actors??

[@jeannetteduette6704]

Joyce, You can't blame her for being real. She is straight up and I respect that about her. She is not the type to dance around reality. Wish more people were like her. She's not phony!

[@cmcb09]

she said it as she saw it, I hope if they recorded it they post the Q&A she and Susan Kohner did for a screening of Imitation of Life at one of the first TCM Classic Film Festivals. From some accounts, I've read from the screening Juanita was on a roll decimated Lana's daughter Cheryl among other things lol.

[@debradavis2888]

She's so great! So horrible how she didn't get residuals for Imitation of Life. I know Maureen Bailey( Wendy) had to fight for residuals when they made the original Broadway play of Peter Pan into VHS.