Leslie Uggams’ film and theatrical career has been remarkable. The Harlem-born singer and actress, best known for Deadpool, has had a flourishing career for 70 years.After marrying White Australian Grahame Pratt in 1965, her personal life might be a movie since their love has withstood all chances of interracial love.
Leslie was a superb vocalist who recorded for MGM at 10 in 1953. She attended the Professional Children’s School of New York and Julliard, inspired by her aunt Eloise Uggams.
Her singing breakthrough was just the beginning; by 1969, she hosted “The Leslie Uggams Show,” the first network variety show hosted by a black person since “The Nat King Cole Show.”
She met and fell in love with Grahame Pratt behind the scenes. They met at the Professional Children’s School of New York, then ran into one another in Sydney during one of Leslie’s famous tours in Australia.
After dating a white man in her teens, Leslie realized the consequences, and her aunt advised her against it.
“I remember the shock I got once when I was dating a white boy,” Leslie told Ebony in 1967.
A color photo of himself was emailed to me. It was shown to my aunt. His hair was gorgeous, and he was handsome. He was lovely. My aunt quickly lectured me after seeing me. She said, ‘Well, he’s fine, I think, but only for dates, eh, honey? When you’re ready to settle down, you’ll marry a good [black] guy, right?
Leslie stated she kept seeing Grahame after meeting him by happenstance.
“I found myself really falling for him, which was surprising at 21.”
At the Museum of the City of New York’s “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment” reception on February 7, 2011, Leslie Uggams and her husband Grahame Pratt attended.
She wouldn’t see him again for 12 months after leaving Australia.
Despite Leslie’s concerns about her family’s reaction and Grahame’s departure to the U.S. for Leslie’s job, the two fell in love. Grahame visited her in New York after five months of engagement.
Knowing my family’s views on mixed marriages, she wanted to know if they would accept Grahame, not just tolerate him.
Leslie wasn’t concerned because Grahame was Australian, which helped.
Uggums with Australian spouse Graham Pratt and 4-year-old daughter Danielle. February 1, 1975.
We received letters, but he was not self-conscious about the circumstances like many white Americans. He was quickly accepted by my friends due to his liking for them. Men and girls liked him.”
Leslie received hate mail after their 1965 marriage, even though they lived in New York and didn’t have many racial challenges.
“It was not as hard as I expected it to be,” Leslie told people about her marriage. Grahame was not an American white man, I guess. No doubt, we received mail.Leslie said she received anonymous notes about being married to a white man while touring the US. “I got one in Detroit, of all places. The club received it for ‘The Little Negro Entertainer.’ They’re usually addressed that way and are unpleasant to read.”
Grahame managed Leslie, and they had two children, Danielle (1970) and Justice (1976).
Leslie Uggams and Graham Pratt in Plymouth, and Royale on Broadway. Becomes The Schoenfeld Theater and The Jacobs Theater at 45th Street in New York City’s Theater District. Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Leslie was nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of Kizzy in the miniseries “Roots” in 1977, one year after their second child was born.
Two years later, she was nominated for an Emmy for Best Actress in the miniseries “Backstairs at the White House” as Lillian Rogers Parks.
In 1983, she won a Daytime Emmy for hosting the NBC game program “Fantasy.” She played Rose Keefer on “All My Children” in 1996.
She guest appeared on “Family Guy” (as herself), “I Spy,” “Hollywood Squares,” “The Muppet Show,” “The Love Boat,” and “Magnum, P.I.”
Leslie and Grahame remain in love. 55 years later, they had two children and a granddaughter, Cassidy.
The key to their happiness? Leslie added, “We laugh all the time, but it ain’t always roses. We like each other.”
Despite all obstacles, their love has endured. They have inspired me with their love and support over the years.