Marpessa Dawn
Anybody know what her ethnicity is...? She's a Brazillian mix of sorts; she looks like the mixed people in my family who are of East Indian and African descent. Beautiful!
shareMulatto.
shareDo you even know what a mulatto is?
share
MovieChat Forums > Orfeu Negro (1959) Discussion > Marpessa Dawn
Marpessa is absolutely gorgeus in this movie. I don't know about her ethnicity but she was born in USA.
shareI remember reading somewhere that she is African American and Filipino.
shareShes's a black woman from Philadelphia, PA. She used to be a dancer with the Katherine Dunham company. Unfortunately, like most black actress of the past and today there her starring roles were limited. She found work in French films, but never another role like Eurydice in Black Orpheus. It's shame, because she is truly one of the most beautiful women the world has ever known.
shareThanks Why is everyone trying to hijack beautiful African American women. she is black woman from Pn.
She doen't look mixed at all. I always wondered what happened to her and the rest of the cast. The only person I see is the actress who played Sarafina, she still makes movies. I wonder how come no one is asking what ethnicity she is considering she is a native of of Brazil.
It's mixed in the sense that she has some European linage. But anywhere Europeans have been there are vestiges of their seed. You probably can't find an African-American without it.
hi You know I am so sick of people asking if any african american actress with long hair or doesn't fit their view of what African American look like if they are mixed. No one ever asks if dark skin white actors with frizzy hair are they are mixed. One of those Tuturro brothers look blacker then most African Americans I know, but not one question about him, John or Aida. One thing too is that long straight hair is not a caucasian trait it is a Asian trait. That is one of the key genetic markings of Asians and is used to id them.
I came over here because I saw Black Orpheus and I wondered what happened to the actors in the movie. And course the first thing I see is if she is mixed. I don't know it blindsided me because in each and every site with a black actress who doesn't fit their view of what african americans look like , the same question is asked.
And I bet you can't find white people in this country who have been here since the 19th century without african in them either. But again no one asks about those old white families like the Bush's about their family. Because we just take there word for who is in their family. Because they wrote it and had the luxury of ommition and they made the rules onwho was in their family and not. But black people have to rely on someone elses word. Also I think it is rude to ask a person ethnicty. For what purpose is that question asked. White people have fits when we dare talk about how some of the actress's they look at as white might be passing. But it is ok for them to try to hijack black people into the white race.
Wow, how do you stand upright with a chip that size on your shoulder? Stop whining about whose word black people have to rely on. It's not our fault you never knew who was who in your families. My family has been here since the 19th century, and I can name every one of them since they came here from Ireland and Scotland. And until the 1970's, no one in the family married anyone but another Irish or Scotch person. And even then, no one married anyone who wasn't 100% white.
And the word is omission, not ommition, brainiac.
You keep on living on Fantasy island. And I'll keep on living on Reality island. Look Da Plane! Da Plane!
shareYou know, if you compare what Marpessa Dawn looks like to the majority of black Africans (In Africa), you can definitely tell there's a difference. Same with the majority of "African" Americans. Infact, I suspect that many "African" Americans are mixed. Is it so wrong to try to find out?
And what's wrong with asking about someone's ethnicity? I am pretty mixed myself (A little Filipino, Chinese, 1/4 English, 1/4 Puerto Rican, A tiny tiny 1/16 hint of Hawaiian..) and I don't get offended when people ask me about my ethnicity and I don't think you should either. Sheeesh.
Are you sure about that? And what exactly do the "majority of black Africans (in Africa)" look like? Like Katoucha, the model from Guinea? Like Amadou Diallo's mother? Do you have any idea what Africans look like?
shareSo um you've been to all 50+ countries in Africa?
share"My family has been here since the 19th century, and I can name every one of them since they came here from Ireland and Scotland. And until the 1970's, no one in the family married anyone but another Irish or Scotch person. And even then, no one married anyone who wasn't 100% white."
And yet, strangely, no one gives a flying f*
You may want to check that family tree for inbreeding.
i guess ppl asking isn't so bad because she is actually mixed, asian and black. She has a unique look and so of course ppl are going to ask.
shareI am always asked what race I am and I think it is very rude. Why do people want to know? It is funny how people think it is not ok to ask a persons age but it is ok to ask what race they are. What makes a difference, why do they want to know. I want to add in my experience it never is for a good reason they want to know. Another thing I want to point out is that white people are rarely asked that it is always people of color who are asked what race they are and it is usually by white people.
I suspect if white people were asked that question as much as people of color are it would be a rude question to everybody. I suggest the next time a person is asked what race they are ask how old they are or what religion or job they have. I contend the people who say it is not rude are either the people who ask or the people who have never been asked. People want to say race doesn't matter then why ask what race a person is?
i don't go up to ppl and ask them! :), marpessa dawn is a person of interest to this message board and so ppl are going to want to know more about her, including her background, because her life is so mysterious. Just like it offends you the question of ethnicity may not offend others like how popface123 just posted. My family has all kinds of ethnicities/races and no one gets upset or heated over the questions. The only thing that annoys me is when someone mixed with black only calls themselves 'black', but thats another subject...:)
shareAll I have to say is if people have walked up to you and asked that question more then a few times you would relate to what I am saying. The only people who would not think it was rude are the people who do the asking. ANd once again why do people want to know?
shareThe woman has talked about her heritage herself, she's biracial, so she obviously doesn't have a problem with it. People do ask me and my husband and family, do you think we give a ish..? no, we take it as a way for ppl to get to know us and ppl are just curious, its nothing to have a fit about..Not every mixed person only considers themselves black. Someone asked a question and others answered it. Take your personal issues elsewhere, its not about your life story, someone just asked about her background and no one asked about YOURS on here so take a pill !
shareOnce again I want to ask why do they want to know? Are they making a survey? Is this the new South Africa where they want to see our papers, to be sure if a person is "colored "or black?? Just incase we are outside our township after a certain hour. Why? Why do they want to know? Have you ever asked? It is a census taker? For purpose does it serve? Considering the history of racism that exists in this country I am shocked that you do not take affront to a question lke that. And why would not want to know why they are asking. Are you afraid of the answer or non answer you will get? Have you heard of white people being asked what race they are? So why is it ok for people to ask people of color what race they are? Are we not afforded the same respect without walking into a room without having to ask what race you are because you do not look like who they assume ablack person looks like? I was in the supermarket one day with my niece, my sisters kid. Some women walks up to me and says , or she must be b racial out of the clear blue sky. Who in the heck is she to make such assumption She is a black girl , but because the idiot assumed that I was white she assumed it was my child with a black man. I had to explain to her that first no she is not bi racial she is a black girl and has anyone ever asked her a question about her race or made a assumption like that. And you think that is ok. You see I am a black woman who looks white, not mixed so I really know why people are asking. And I doubt you ever will. No one asks me what race I am. But I see how people ask me about my family members and friends. Who are mostly all black. It is humiliating and it is racist. I never in my whole life heard a black person ask that. Only some stranger and they are always white. what nerve. Oh and we are not going to to talk about what happens when my white friends friends or family find out that I am black. We are not even going to get into that.
Curiosity is the reasoning you want to use, the exccuse you are giving these rude people? Well I am curious about a lot of things, for instance how much money my neighbor makes or how old the women across the street is but I do not ask. And I am sure you would not either. So why do you think it is alright for a perspon to ask what race you are? And for what reason, have you ever asked why? I know why. Do you go up to a person and ask if they are Gay? I bet you don't. So why do you think just because you do not like the way some uninformed person thinks you should look it gives the pass to be rude? What are you part of a side show?
In my expereince it is never just curiosity. One thing I know for sure is that only a person who was never asked that question would say it doesn't bother them because of they had they would know exactly what I am talking about. They would know the feeling a person gets when someone they never met asks them out of the clear blue sky what race they are. And only the people who do the asking , the busy bodies, the racists would think it was ok. Back to South Africa, ask someone from there how it feels to be asked what race you are? Do you think the reason is any different here? Except for the fact we are not going to get locked up if we are not in our township by a certain time.
As for Marpessa Dawn talking about her race is something completely different then someone making her talk about it because it was asked her But for some one who cLIAMs to be asked that question you should already know that.
lol!what r u talking about? here we go with another essay that i won't be reading because frankly its not that serious forreal. get over yourself hon and let it go! Just like you have the right to write what you want the OP had the right to ask a simple question for a simple answer, it is a message board. Nobody cares about your personal problems, the only time i read things this long is for class. Is this your way of just letting ppl know that others think that you're mixed? lol
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But back to the original post because this is getting silly, Marpessa Dawn's mother is African American and her father is Filipino. Her real name is Gypsy Marpessa Dawn Menor and she is grew up on a farm outside of Pittsburg.
HTH:)
That was mad long mami but i totally agree with you.... All over IMDB this same question is posted about a black person who just isn't quite dark enough or hair texture isn't nappy enough to be just "black"... It's like they are saying they are too beautiful or have too much intelligence and talent to be "just black"
Then you will have some people who i suspect or black americans saying so and so isn't black because they aren't from america! wtf????
The same people doing the asking about said person are the first ones to say "race doesn't matter" when they are called on their bullshyt.
when I first saw this movie in the 80's i didn't even wonder if she was "mixed" i just thought damn that chick is BAD and kept it moving!
Agreed If race doesn't matter why ask? And they are the first ones to get defensive when you ask why they want to know. That is why I feel it is very rude to ask and nervy. I found that white folks get mad when I tell them I am a black person. As to say why wouldn't you want to say you have white in you if you look like you do. Gee everybody wants to have that privilege. Yeah right.
shareChrist, let it go. You've proven that you're thin skinned, you don't need to beat it into the ground here, this isn't the "marbleann" forum.
shareNot thin skinned at all just don't like rude people. But I guess you can't relate to that. It indicates a lack of good upbringing if one believe rudness is acceptable. So learn some tact and stop trying t be a hard azz
shareSeems to me that the only rude person on here is you.
"A man's kiss is his signature" -- Mae West
I have had that question asked of me numerous times.
I don't find it rude at all.
If anything, it means the person asking has been intrigued by my looks.
When they STOP asking - that's when I'll complain.
"Don't call me 'honey', mac."
"Don't call me 'mac'... HONEY!"
"Intrigued by your looks" So what does have to do with what race you are? It is very rude. And I would like to know why you would "complain" if they did not ask anymore. As to infer if one just looked like one race they would not be intrigued by your looks anymore. Like somehow a mix makes your look intriguing. That statement alone is worth a million words how you feel.
Again I will say the only people who do not think it is rude are the people who are asking the question or the people who who are never asked that question and for some reason think that looking bi racial is better then just looking like one comes from one race. And I would bet that self hating black people are the majority of the people who feel that looking bi racial is some type of plus and are tickled pink when somebody asks if they are bi racial.
Why is it their business and why should it matter and why do they want to know what race or races you are? Because if you think white people who ask that question think you are better because you are bi racial or look bi-racial you are very much mistaken. People who have the nerve to ask that question are usually bigots and think people who are bi racial are worse then being black, they call them mongrels and think they are the lowest people to walk the earth. So next time some one asks you what race you are or if you are bi racial ask them why they want to know, instead of being tickled to death they asked. You might be in for a piece of reality. And the black folks who are asking well I am sure you can identify with them.
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You do realize that the OP is mixed?
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Why Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world... but for Wales?
It makes no difference. And I doubt they were ever asked that because if they were they would want to know why also. Why do white people always care what race a person is. I see no such interest in other races asking the same questions to white people. And their are plenty of white people out there who straighten their hair , use lye to do it and also have a dark color to them. SO I am not falling for the intrigued answer. Never in my experience or anybody else I know experience did the answer No I am black ever produce a cordial response.
sharePittsburgh.
shareI remember her being interviewed on "Tonight" (English Stone Age TV show) at the time of the film's release. She said that she was from Trinidad, and had learned Portuguese specially for this movie. So who can believe what?
In all of her direct quotes from magazine interviews she was a former US medical secretary and grew up in PA and was a dancer for Katherine Dunham. Never seen otherwise from her interviews. Her last name (Menor) is a common Filipino surname.
If you drove a TransAm you'd be the smartest idiot in the whole world. -Dwight Shrute
I remember her being interviewed on "Tonight" (English Stone Age TV show) at the time of the film's release. She said that she was from Trinidad, and had learned Portuguese specially for this movie.
Two possibilities: A) Your memory is faulty. B) If she really did claim to be from Trinidad, maybe she was trying to invent an exotic background for herself. After all, there's nothing terribly fascinating about growing up in Pittsburgh.
All the universe . . . or nothingness. Which shall it be, Passworthy? Which shall it be?
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She's absolutely gorgeous!
share[deleted]
I am coming into this a bit late, but this is my favorite movie of all time and last night I had the privilege of visiting the favela where it was filmed (naturally it is a lot different now). Just by chance, I was invited by a Brazilian friend to visit a friend of hers who lives in a "comunidade" (favela) here in Rio. While we were sitting around having a drink, I casually asked if he knew where Orfeu Negro was filmed. He laughed a big laugh and said, "Right here, dear. Right here! Don't you recognize the view? And do you know who that is across the table?"
I looked to the boy (mid-20s or so) sitting at our table, who had a shy smile. "He is the grandson of the little boy who dances samba in the movie! That boy grew up to be a famous samba dancer." I couldn't remember the actor's real name so I asked - "My grandfather's name was Jorge." Sure enough, that was the guy :-) So, pretty amazing day! That is why I was visiting the page today.
So to all the points here, I have a couple of replies:
1) It is lovely and fascinating to grow up in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh native here. Go Steelers. And I now live in Rio de Janeiro but I miss Pittsburgh every day. :-)
2) This race thing is the most annoying topic in the world. Nobody here was saying that there is something wrong with looking "just black". But there are people in the world, and I am one of them, who are fascinated by how someone looks when two or more different ethnicities are mixed. I am mixed myself. You can accept it or not, but the fact is that you can easily tell when a "just black person" is mixed with some other ethnicity. There are certain facial features that look native to certain countries of Africa, and some that are predominantly white, asian, or otherwise. Marpessa Dawn is a prime example - her skin tone has a certain goldenness to it, her facial features are soft, and her eyes have a certain look. Compare her to someone who had two parents from Kenya, or Nigeria, or two "just black" (your words) parents from the US. Do you deny that she looks different? You couldn't. So why is it so wrong to wonder about her background? I read here that she is part filipina. Makes sense considering the observations. And she is gorgeous.
And it is also annoying that you say "Nobody EVER asks a white person if they are mixed or what ethnicity they are." That is an extreme assumption. I am "white" but was asked frequently in Pittsburgh, and I am asked multiple times a day in Rio. When someone asks where I am from here and I say, "I'm American," the first response EVERY time is, "Wow...but you don't look or act American at all." Now, while I am sure that you would be wildly offended by that, I am not, because I understand why they say it. They have an idea about Americans that physically, they are all blonde with blue eyes and flat butts (yes they say this), and that behaviorally, they are loud and obnoxious and would never be able to speak Portuguese or live in Rio. So, and this is not bragging because I know a lot of cool expats here who also speak Portuguese and don't "look American", am I offended? No. I am very proud of my half-Palestinian blood, and proud of what I accomplished to get here and kill their stereotype a little. I know a lot of mixed people and they are all proud of both (or all) sides of their ethnicities. It does in fact make someone unique, and makes them look the way they do. My 100% Palestinian uncle married a Korean woman. The kids, my cousins, are "white" but I bet they will get asked every day of their lives what their ethnicities are because they are fascinatingly beautiful - they are perfect mixes of both Middle Eastern and Asian features.
I don't know what happened to you to make you so offended by a simple question of background. Surely the Palestinians are a hated "race" these days, but I proudly state that I am half-Palestinian anyway. If someone doesn't like it they can go suck an egg. Maybe you hate your own race and that's why you act like this, but just embrace whatever it is that you are and try to see why people ask. And then do some side-by-side comparisons of people who are "just black" and some famous mixed people - you will see why people ask the question. Frankly it is very easy to spot. And that is not a racist statement - just science and genetics.
Thank you for posting this very eloquent reply.
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Why Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world... but for Wales?
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