Gladys Snyder

Babyface Gladys Snyder was one of the pretty, winsome, dainty feminine stars of Black Cinema. She was like a Black Jean Harlow look alike but more glamourous, sophisticated, classy in her screen image. Miss Snyder was from California and was crowned Ms. Oxnard which gave her stardom. She attended an audition which Ralph Cooper gave to choose a leading lady. He liked what he saw and the rest is history. She was leading lady in Ralph Cooper's "Gang War" at the age of 19 and then "While Thousands Cheer." Gladys was a natural in the movies. Very poise and appealing. She had many talents...she could sing which she displayed in "Gang War." She had a sweet, crooning voice and was a cleaver dancer. Not much was heard from Ms. Snyder after 1940. She had many talents to continue to become a big star, she was young and beautiful but it was hard for her to get work. Gladys wanted to continue on in the movies tried taking a crack at Hollywood but since her attributes was considered "white-looking" to play even the few roles they had for Blacks. Gladys mother who was also an actress faced the same problems. They were frequently offered roles but would have to pass as Oriental or White. The mother and daughter both vowed never to pass for any other race to get work. Thank heavens that Black Cinema was around to give Gladys her chance to show her talent. Though, Gladys deserved so much more, what she did do and leave behind is appreciated and apart of Movie History.