Table of Contents
Introduction
Harry Belafonte is a legendary American singer, actor, and social activist who has significantly contributed to the entertainment industry and beyond. With a career spanning over six decades, Belafonte is renowned for his rich voice, captivating performances, and unwavering commitment to social justice. This article will explore Harry Belafonte net worth, career highlights, height, age, personal life, funeral (as of 2023), awards, and more.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Net worth | $30 million (estimated at the time of his death on April 25, 2023) |
| Career | Singer, actor, activist |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Age | 91 years old (died April 25, 2023) |
| Funeral | Harry Belafonte’s funeral was a private ceremony held on May 6, 2023, in New York City. |
| Personal life | Married to Julie Belafonte from 1952 to 1957, and to Pamela Frank from 1960 to 1973. Had four children. |
| Awards | Three Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award; an Emmy Award; a Tony Award; an honorary Academy Award; the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; and many others. |
| More info | Harry Belafonte was a passionate civil rights activist, and used his platform to speak out against racism and injustice. He was also a financial supporter of the movement and helped to organize protests and marches. He was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. |
Early Life
Belafonte’s career began in the 1950s when he emerged as a prominent figure in the folk and calypso music scenes. His breakthrough album, “Calypso,” released in 1956, became the first-ever album to sell over one million copies. Belafonte’s captivating voice and ability to blend various musical styles, including folk, calypso, and pop, earned him worldwide acclaim.
Aside from his music career, Harry Belafonte has significantly contributed to the film and television industry. He starred in several movies, including “Carmen Jones,” “Island in the Sun,” and “The World, the Flesh and the Devil.” Belafonte broke barriers by becoming one of the first African-American actors to achieve mainstream success.
Career Highlights
Harry Belafonte’s career began in the 1950s when he made a name for himself as a singer, actor, and social activist. He is best known for his hits like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” “Jamaica Farewell,” and “Matilda.” His smooth voice and Caribbean-inspired tunes earned him a devoted following and a place in the annals of music history.
In addition to his music career, Belafonte made significant strides in the film industry, starring in movies like “Carmen Jones,” “Island in the Sun,” and “Odds Against Tomorrow.” He was one of the first African-American actors to break barriers and succeed in Hollywood when segregation was rampant.
Harry Belafonte Net Worth
Harry Belafonte had an estimated net worth of $30 million at his death on April 25, 2023. He earned his wealth through a thriving music and movie career spanning several decades.
In addition to other songs, Belafonte is best known for his famous recordings of “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” and “Matilda,” which helped to popularise calypso music. He was also a famous actor, appearing in films including Odds Against Tomorrow (1959), Island in the Sun (1957), and Carmen Jones (1954).
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Height and Age
Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, making him 96 years old if we consider the current date of September 20, 2023. He stands approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), contributing to his commanding presence on stage and screen.
Personal Life
Belafonte has had three marriages in his personal life. He was first married to Marguerite Byrd, with whom he had two daughters. He then married Julie Robinson, with whom he had a son and a daughter. He is married to Pamela Frank, and they have been together since 2008.
Belafonte has been a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement and worked alongside prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Belafonte’s dedication to humanitarian causes earned him the nickname “King of Calypso” and “Ambassador of Goodwill” for promoting peace and equality.
Awards and Honors
Belafonte’s contributions to the arts and his activism have been widely recognized. He has won various accolades and awards, including:
- Grammy Awards: He has won several Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.
- Tony Award: Belafonte received a Tony Award for performing in the Broadway musical “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac.”
- Kennedy Center Honors: In 1989, he was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors for his outstanding contributions to American culture.
- NAACP Image Award: He received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series, or Dramatic Special for his role in “The War” (1994).
- Humanitarian Awards: Belafonte has received numerous humanitarian awards for his activism and philanthropic efforts.
Conclusion
Harry Belafonte’s life and career have left an indelible mark on music, film, and social justice activism. His music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, and his tireless dedication to civil rights and humanitarian causes serves as an inspiration to all. As we celebrate his accomplishments and contributions, we look forward to the legacy he will leave for future generations.
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FAQs
Harry Belafonte is renowned for having a fruitful career in music as both a singer and an actor. He is best known for popularizing the Caribbean folk songs known as calypsos, such as “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” and “Matilda.” He was also a successful actor, starring in films such as Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), and Odds Against Tomorrow (1959).
Yes, Harry Belafonte was a passionate civil rights activist. He and Martin Luther King Jr. were good friends, and he utilized his platform to speak out against racism and injustice. He was also a financial supporter of the movement and helped to organize protests and marches.
Some of Harry Belafonte’s most famous songs include “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” “Jamaica Farewell,” “Matilda,” “Island in the Sun,” and “Turn the World Around.”
