Dorothy Dandridge’s Ancestry Revealed: From Passing For White To American Indians

American Hidden History: Episode 12 Dorothy was Hollywood’s first Black woman nominated for Best Actress at The Oscars. Behind her talents, Dorothy’s roots carry a hidden, tangled story of survival, identity, and reinvention. Her family tree stretches far beyond the glittering lights of Hollywood into the world of Free People of Color navigating the harsh color lines of America: Ancestors who ‘passed’ for white to escape systemic racism, and American Indian bloodlines woven through generations. James Henry Dandridge Jr (Eliza Mahoney & James Henry Dandridge Sr’s son)was listed as White on His Death Record Sources: morfsaloon.wordpress.com/2025/08/13/dorothy-dandridges-family-tree-passed-as-white-free-people-of-color-and-american-indians/ #dorothydandridge #blackhistory