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Biography · Film & Television

Etta Moten Barnett

1901–2004

United States

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Biography

Etta Moten Barnett (November 5, 1901 – January 2, 2004) was an American actress and contralto vocalist, who was identified with her signature role of "Bess" in Porgy and Bess. She created new roles for African-American women on stage and screen. After her performing career, Barnett was active in Chicago as a major philanthropist and civic activist, raising funds for and supporting cultural, social, and church institutions.

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Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

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