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]

Contents

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

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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.