Today in our History – March 18, 1931 - Marguerite Ray is born.
GM – LIF – Today’s American Champion was an American television actor, known for originating the role of Mamie Johnson in the soap opera The Young and the Restless; she was the first black regular on the show. In a career that lasted from the 1960s until 2001, she also appeared in Sanford and had a recurring role in Dynasty.
Today in our History – March 18, 1931 - Marguerite Ray is born.
Actress, advocate, patron of the arts, beloved family member and friend, Marguerite Ray died last month in Los Angeles, CA, at the age of 89.
Known best for the roles of Mamie Johnson on The Young and the Restless (1980-1990), Evelyn Lewis on Sanford (1980-81), and Jane Matthews on Dynasty (1989), she also made many on-screen appearances in numerous television series and films.
Marguerite, the oldest of seven, was born in New Orleans to Walter and Jeannette Ray. She graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1948. Continuing her education, she graduated from UC Berkeley in 1953 with a degree in Recreation and Theatre Arts.
Soon thereafter Marguerite began working in the Bay Area, then moved to Europe serving as recreation and entertainment director with the U.S. Special Services in Germany, 1954-59.
Upon returning to USA in 1965, she helped form the acting group, The Aldridge Players-West, which performed in San Francisco and toured the HBCUs.
In 1969, she moved to Los Angeles where she landed many roles in theater, television, commercials, voice overs and modeling, working with the Inner City Cultural Center, then focusing on freelance performance work until her retirement in the early 2000s.
Over the years, Marguerite enjoyed traveling, patronizing the visual and performance arts, and serving on Boards of several advocacy groups, notably Kwanza Foundation, Jenesse Center, and The Actors Fund. Her many experiences afforded her a circle of close friends. Research more about this great American Champion and share it with your babies. Make it a champion day!