Joe Jenkins (dancer)

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Joe Jenkins was an American dancer who moved to Australia and appeared in a number of TV plays. He was a rare black actor who played lead roles in Australian film industry at the time.[1][2] He was the first black actor to play a lead role in an Australian TV drama.[3]

Jenkins came to Australia with the Katherine Dunham Dance Company and decided to stay.[4] He made his acting debut in The Square Ring.[5]

Select Filmography[]

  • Rita (1959) - TV opera
  • Make Outs Music (1959) - variety
  • Cafe Continental
  • The BP Super Show (1959) - variety show, guest star
  • The Square Ring (1960)
  • The Emperor Jones (1960)[6]
  • The Two Headed Eagle (1960)
  • The End Begins (1961)
  • Call Me a Liar (1961)
  • Just Barbara (1961) and Chez Barbara - variety show starring Barbara Virgil - Jenkins was a regular performer

References[]

  1. ^ Vagg, Stephen (25 May 2020). "The A to Z of Non-White Aussie Movies and TV in White Australia". Filmink.
  2. ^ "Negro in "Live" Drama". Sydney Morning Herald. 13 June 1961. p. 30.
  3. ^ Vagg, Stephen (15 November 2020). "The Flawed Landmark: Burst of Summer". Filmink.
  4. ^ "Survival Drama". The Age. 16 March 1961. p. 12.
  5. ^ "Drama of the Ring". Sydney Morning Herald. 18 April 1960. p. 19.
  6. ^ "Emperor Jones on Television". Sydney Morning Herald. 16 June 1960. p. 7.

External links[]


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