Tondaleyo

Tondaleyo (born Wilhemina T. Gray, July 29, 1912 - January 9, 1998) was an American specialty dancer, chorus girl, singer, musician, actress, and nightclub owner. She was known for her dance performances, as well as appearances in a few films during the 1940's.

Early life Tondaleyo was born Wilhemina T. Gray on July 29, 1912, in New York, New York, US. Her father deserted the family during her childhood, leaving her mother to raise her alone under difficult financial circumstances. She began dancing at the age of six to help support her mother and keep the family together financially. , "Tondelayo's", located at 18 West 52nd Street in midtown Manhattan in Times Square, which opened in 1944 She was a close friend of Gladys Bentley, another performer at the Cotton Club, who starred in a Broomfield and Greely production in 1937. She stunned patrons with her dance style and her captivating beauty. She was considered one of the most flashiest women of her day, owning numerous diamonds, furs, and minks. She was also credited for being the first black woman to own a nightclub in New York. She also starred alongside Horne in the 1943 musical Stormy Weather with an uncredited performing role. Her only credited film role was in the 1947 race film Sepia Cinderella, where she played Vivian, a secret admirer of Bob, the bandleader.

Personal life and death Tondaleyo married Wilbert Whitfield in September 1974 and divorced in October 1987. She later married John Howard Levy (no relation to her brother-in-law; with whom she had 1 child), changing her name to Tondaleyo Grey Levy in her later years. She died on January 9, 1998, in New York City, New York at the age of 85.

Filmography

Stormy Weather (1943) - uncredited performing role Sepia Cinderella (1947) - Vivian