Ethel Waters was a singer and actor. She was the first African-American to star on her own television show and the first African-American woman to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy.

In 1933, Waters appeared in a satirical all-Black film, Rufus Jones for President. That year she also had a featured role in the Irving Berlin Broadway musical revue As Thousands Cheer. She became the first black woman to integrate Broadway.

In 1939, Waters became the first African-American to star in her own television show. The Ethel Waters Show was a 15-minute variety special that appeared on NBC.

In 1949, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film Pinky.

In 1950, Waters was the first African-American woman to star in a television series, Beulah (1950-1952). She quit after the first season and was replaced by Louise Beavers.

She was also the first Black actor to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy for a dramatic appearance for her guest role in episode 33 of Route 66 (1960-1964), she was also the first Black woman nominated for any Primetime Emmy.