Introduction
Joseph Cotten was a well-known American film and stage actor who rose to fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He starred in several classic films such as “Citizen Kane,” “The Third Man,” and “Shadow of a Doubt.” However, there have been rumors circulating for years that Cotten was part black, which he allegedly kept hidden from the public eye. In this article, we will explore the truth behind this rumor and shed light on some interesting facts about Joseph Cotten’s life.
Early Life and Career
Joseph Cotten’s Biography
Joseph Cotten was born on May 15, 1905, in Petersburg, Virginia. He was the eldest of three sons born to Joseph Cheshire Cotten Sr. and Sally Willson Cotten. His father was a well-respected assistant postmaster, while his mother was a schoolteacher. Cotten attended the University of Virginia and graduated with a degree in English, after which he moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.
Joseph Cotten’s Movies
Joseph Cotten made his film debut in 1938 with “Too Much Johnson,” directed by Orson Welles. He went on to star in several of Welles’ films, including “Citizen Kane” and “The Magnificent Ambersons.” Cotten also worked with other notable directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and William Dieterle. Some of his most memorable performances were in “Shadow of a Doubt,” “Gaslight,” and “The Third Man,” which is considered one of the greatest films ever made.
The Rumor
Joseph Cotten Passed for White
For years, there have been rumors that Joseph Cotten was part black, which he allegedly kept hidden from the public eye. According to some sources, Cotten’s mother had African American ancestry, which he inherited. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and Cotten himself never spoke about it. It is also worth noting that during the time when Cotten was active in Hollywood, being black or having any trace of African American ancestry could have had a negative impact on one’s career.
Joseph Cotten’s Brother Whit Cotten
Interestingly, Joseph Cotten had a brother named Whit Cotten, who was known to be a light-skinned African American. Whit Cotten was a successful businessman and owned several nightclubs in New York City. It is said that he was proud of his African American heritage and never tried to hide it. Some people believe that Joseph Cotten’s alleged African American ancestry could have come from his mother’s side of the family, which also produced Whit Cotten.
Conclusion
Despite the rumors, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Joseph Cotten was part black. However, it is interesting to note that his brother Whit Cotten was a successful businessman and proud of his African American heritage. Joseph Cotten’s legacy as a talented actor and his contributions to the film industry will always be remembered.
FAQ
What is the significance of Joseph Cotten’s race?
The significance of Joseph Cotten’s race lies in the fact that he was a prominent actor during a time when Hollywood was heavily segregated. If Cotten was indeed part black, it would have had an impact on his career and the roles he was able to play.
What evidence suggests that Joseph Cotten was part black?
There is no concrete evidence that Joseph Cotten was part black. The rumor seems to have originated from a comment made by Orson Welles, who said that Cotten had “a little bit of the tarbrush” in him. However, this comment was likely meant as a joke and should not be taken as evidence of Cotten’s race.
Why do people believe that Joseph Cotten was part black?
People believe that Joseph Cotten was part black because of his appearance. Cotten had dark skin and curly hair, which some people have interpreted as evidence of African ancestry. However, it is important to note that many white people have dark skin and curly hair, and these traits are not necessarily indicative of black ancestry.
Has Joseph Cotten’s family commented on the rumors about his race?
There is no record of Joseph Cotten’s family commenting on the rumors about his race. However, Cotten’s daughter has stated that her father was proud of his Southern heritage and did not have any African ancestry to her knowledge.
Does it matter whether or not Joseph Cotten was part black?
From a historical perspective, it is interesting to consider the impact that race had on Hollywood during the mid-20th century. However, from a personal perspective, it does not matter whether or not Joseph Cotten was part black. What is important is that he was a talented actor who left a lasting legacy in the film industry.
