Ernestine Wade: Movies & Filmography

Ernestine Wade (August 7, 1906 – April 15, 1983) was an American actress best remembered for her iconic role as Sapphire Stevens on both the radio and television versions of The Amos 'n' Andy Show. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, she came from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Her mother, Hazel Wade, was a vaudeville performer, and her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Johnson, worked for the historic Lincoln Theater in Baltimore, Maryland. This rich theatrical heritage shaped Ernestine's early life and career aspirations. She grew up in Los Angeles and began her acting career at the remarkably young age of four. Trained as both a singer and an organist, Wade possessed a versatile artistic skill set that would serve her well throughout her career. In 1935, she became a member of the Four Hot Chocolates singing group, showcasing her vocal talents. She also appeared in bit parts in films and contributed to the entertainment world through various other performances, including providing the voice of a butterfly in the 1946 Walt Disney production Song of the South. Additionally, she was a member of the choir organized by actress-singer Anne Brown for the filming of the George Gershwin biographical film Rhapsody in Blue (1945), appearing as one of the "Catfish Row" residents in the Porgy and Bess segment. Ernestine Wade achieved her highest level of prominence through her portrayal of Sapphire Stevens, the "shrewish, demanding and manipulative" but ultimately long-suffering wife of the incurable grifter George "Kingfish" Stevens. She originally came to the Amos 'n' Andy radio show in the role of Valada Green, a lady who believed she had married Andy, after initially being hired for a singing role. Her scream during an audition landed her the part. Wade also played the radio roles of The Widow Armbruster, Sara Fletcher, and Mrs. Van Porter throughout the show's run. She defended her character against criticism of being a negative stereotype of African American women, noting in a 1973 interview that she still had people stop her on the street to tell her how much they enjoyed it, including many black members of the NAACP. She believed the roles she and her colleagues played made it possible for African-American actors who came later to be cast in a wider variety of roles. In later years, she continued as an actress, doing more voice work for radio and cartoons, and also appeared in a 1967 episode of TV's Family Affair as a maid working for a stage actress played by Joan Blondell. Ernestine Wade died in 1983 at the age of 76 and was buried in Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, California. Because she had no headstone, the West Adams Heritage Association marked her grave with a commemorative plaque to honor her legacy and contributions to American entertainment.