A Star Without a Star, Juanita Moore
How Moore’s grandson championed her star on Hollywood Boulevard.
Juanita Moore’s grandson, Kirk Kelleykah, produced a film, “A Star Without A Star” and this film has been a game changer and is currently playing at a theatre in New York City. A one-person crusade for justice and recognition for his grandmother, Juanita Moore, has shown a light on an injustice dating back to 1959. Juanita Moore should be a household name as she was a pioneer on the movie screen in “The Imitation of Life, her breakout role that got her an Oscar nomination in 1959.
Her talent spoke for itself and so did the color of her skin as she was denied recognition for her breakout role which had many viewers talking about her role, even though it was a maid role. After this movie, Hollywood tried to lock her into stereotypical roles as a subservient character.
After the “Imitation of Life” film, Moore made a conscious effort not to play a maid again and she did not work for an entire year. Hollywood tried to force her to remain in subservient roles such as a maid. She returned to playing domestic roles and managed to break through in parts like the nun she played in “The Singing Nun.”
