Leslie Uggams, a talented singer and actress from Harlem, has enjoyed a remarkable career in theater and film.
While she’s known for her role in the *Deadpool* series, her groundbreaking interracial marriage to Australian Grahame Pratt in 1965 also made headlines, defying expectations at the time.
Leslie’s career began at just 10 years old when she recorded a song for MGM in 1953. Encouraged by her aunt, renowned soprano Eloise Uggams, Leslie studied at the Julliard School of Music and the Professional Children’s School in New York.
In 1969, she made history by hosting *The Leslie Uggams Show*, the first variety show hosted by a Black person since *The Nat King Cole Show*.
While on tour in Australia, Leslie reconnected with Grahame, whom she had met earlier as a student. Despite concerns about how her family would react, Leslie and Grahame’s love grew stronger.
Grahame’s Australian background helped him fit in with Leslie’s friends, and they married, facing fewer racial challenges than many interracial couples in the U.S. at the time.
Now, after over 55 years of marriage, Leslie and Grahame are still happily together, with two daughters and a granddaughter. Their love story is a beautiful example of loyalty and support through the years.
