Leslie Uggams is an American actress and singer whose career began at a very young age. Starting in 1951, when she was just 6 years old, she quickly rose to fame, becoming the first African American person to appear as a series regular on a variety show with Mitch Miller’s “Sing Along With Mitch.” Uggams is perhaps most acclaimed for her role as Kizzy Reynolds in the hit television series “Roots,” earning her nominations for both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for her outstanding performance.
On stage, Uggams made a name for herself in the critically acclaimed musical “Hallelujah, Baby!” This performance won her a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, propelling her into stardom. She continued her impressive stage career with roles such as in August Wilson’s “King Hedley II” in 2001, which garnered her another Tony Award nomination.
While studying at the Professional Children’s School of New York, Uggams met her future husband, Grahame Pratt. They fell in love but were momentarily separated when Pratt had to return to Australia. They reunited later, with Pratt becoming Uggams’ manager. They married in 1965, a brave move considering interracial marriage was still illegal in some parts of the United States until 1967. The couple was blessed with two children: Danielle, born in 1970, and Justice, born in 1976.
Despite their nearly 60 years of marriage, Uggams and Pratt faced challenges and hate mail just for being in love. Read on to learn more about their journey and enduring relationship.
Born on May 25, 1943, in Harlem, New York, Leslie Uggams was brought up in a loving and supportive environment. “They were happy to keep me busy,” Uggams said of her parents. “Because we lived in a tough neighborhood. And they were trying to keep me safe and motivated. So, I took every kind of lesson you can imagine.”
From an early age, Uggams showcased her talent at the Apollo Theater, sharing the stage with legendary artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. “Oh, I watched every single show. It was the best school because you were seeing everything on and off the stage,” she reminisced.
Her breakthrough came with “Sing Along With Mitch,” where her weekly appearances made her a household name. “It was the first time that an African American was on every week on national television,” she explained. Although initially resisted by Southern stations, the show’s sponsors and NBC stood by her. “No, she’s part of the family, she’s gonna be on,” Miller insisted.
When asked about the significance of her groundbreaking role, Uggams said, “Yes, I was. And it was a responsibility that I gladly took on. You couldn’t mess up. You couldn’t have any kind of scandal. But it was a lot of pressure because I knew that I was carrying my race on my shoulders, which I gladly wanted to do.”
Grahame Pratt, born on Nov. 13, 1936, in Australia, was not as famous as Uggams but did have a few roles in movies and TV shows during the 1960s and 1970s. Notable among these was his appearance in the 1972 disaster movie “Skyjacked.”
Their meeting was almost serendipitous in Sydney, Australia, at the Chequers Club—an iconic spot in the 1960s. Pratt, with some liquid courage, asked Uggams to join his group, and they immediately bonded. Although their paths diverged temporarily with Uggams returning to the States, they reunited a year later.
The bond between Uggams and Pratt has stood the test of time. “He’s smart and witty and fearless,” Uggams told People magazine in 2018. Despite their differences, they never wavered. “He had never dated a Black woman before,” Uggams reflected. Engaged for five months, they’ve now enjoyed nearly 60 years of marital bliss.
Life wasn’t always smooth sailing. Before introducing Uggams to his parents, Pratt warned them in a letter, saying: “Now I don’t wanna hear any problems, I’m gonna bring a Black woman home.”
To their relief, Pratt’s mother’s only concern was, “Is she Presbyterian?” which Uggams found ironically humorous since she was indeed Presbyterian.
Despite the obstacles, their love conquered all. “It was not as hard as I expected it to be,” Uggams said. “I think the reason is that Grahame was not an American white man. But of course, we did get mail.” The letters, filled with slurs, were painful, yet their commitment to each other remained unshakeable.
Uggams and Pratt have a happy family with two children and one grandchild. Their daughter Danielle and son Justice have both followed their mother into the world of performing arts.
Danielle has carved out a niche in theater and music, even participating in the first national tour of the “Titanic” musical. Justice, on the other hand, has delved into theater and TV, with minor roles in series such as “Crossing Jordan.”
The secret to their long marriage, according to Uggams, is simple: “We laugh all the time — but it ain’t always roses. We have fun together.”
At age 81, Uggams continues to work actively in the industry. She recently took on a role in the superhero franchise “Deadpool” as Blind Al, brilliantly showcasing her comedic talent.
Which of Uggams’ works do you enjoy the most? What are your thoughts on the hate mail she received? Share your opinions, and feel free to pass this story along to friends and family.
