Leslie Uggams had a remarkable career as an actress on both the silver screen and the stage.
She is perhaps best known for her role in the Deadpool series. The Harlem-born singer and actress enjoyed a successful career spanning seven decades.
However, behind the scenes, her personal life took center stage when she married Grahame Pratt, a white Australian man, in 1965. Their love story has overcome many challenges over the years…
Leslie showcased her singing talent at a young age, recording a record for MGM when she was just 10 years old in 1953. With the guidance of her singer aunt Eloise Uggams, she attended the Professional Children’s School of New York and the prestigious music school Julliard in New York.
Her musical career marked the beginning of a significant journey. By 1969, she hosted her own TV variety show, “The Leslie Uggams Show,” the first network variety show hosted by a Black individual since “The Nat King Cole Show.”
Behind the scenes, she met and fell in love with actor Grahame Pratt. Their paths crossed again while Leslie was performing in Sydney during one of her celebrity tours in Australia, after initially meeting at the Professional Children’s School of New York where they were both students.
Despite being aware of the potential repercussions of dating a white man, based on her past experiences and her aunt’s advice, Leslie found herself deeply drawn to Grahame.
Recalling her past experiences, Leslie shared, “I found myself really falling for him, which was quite a thing for me to realize, considering I was only 21.”
Their love story faced challenges as Leslie had reservations about her family’s reaction and the implications for their future, considering Grahame would need to relocate to the U.S. to support Leslie’s career. After a 5-month engagement, Grahame visited her in New York.
Assessing the situation, Leslie expressed, “Knowing my family’s ideas on mixed marriages, I also wanted to know whether they would really accept Grahame and not just tolerate him.”
Fortunately, being Australian worked in Grahame’s favor, and the couple tied the knot in 1965.
‘Of course, we received letters’
“He didn’t have the self-consciousness about the situation that white Americans often have. He easily fit in with all my friends… just because he liked them. And they certainly liked him, both the men and the girls.”
Although they didn’t face as many racial issues in New York as other parts of the U.S., Leslie revealed that she received hate mail about their relationship.
Describing their experience, Leslie shared, “Sometimes when I’m touring the States I get anonymous letters about being married to a white man. They’re always addressed like that and they’re not pleasant to read.”
Grahame later became Leslie’s manager, and the couple welcomed two children, Danielle in 1970 and Justice in 1976.
In 1977, following the birth of their second child, Leslie starred in the miniseries “Roots,” earning an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Kizzy.
Two years later, she portrayed Lillian Rogers Parks in “Backstairs at the White House,” earning another Emmy nomination for Best Actress.
Throughout her career, Leslie made notable appearances in various TV shows and received awards for her performances.
Even after many years, Leslie and Grahame’s love endures. With two children and a granddaughter, Cassidy, they continue to cherish each other.
Reflecting on their enduring bond, Leslie shared, “We laugh all the time, but it’s not always sunshine and roses. We have fun together.”
Their extraordinary love story has surpassed all expectations and truly stood the test of time. Their unwavering commitment and support for each other serve as an inspiration.
Share this heartwarming story with your loved ones to spread the joy of enduring love.
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