Vonetta McGee,65,Star Of 1970’s Hit “Blacula”,”Shaft In Africa”Has Died From Cardiac Arrest In Berkeley.

It is being reported that Vonetta McGee, who costarred in 1970s blaxploitation era movies such as “Blacula,” and “Shaft In Africa” has died at 65.  She actually died on July 9 in Berkeley, Calif., after a heart attack, but it was just reported publicly today.

The sad news was confirmed by Kelly Nayo, spokeswoman for the family,who also stated that Mrs McGee was on life support for two days,prior to her expiration.(SOURCE)

Vonetta McGee, despite her movie appearances, always hated the term “blaxploitation” as she considered it to be somewhat racist,but these  films were accused of stereotyping blacks–their presumed target audience–as pimps and drug dealers.

Mrs Vonetta McGee...High Fashion 70's P.R. Shot

I feel the same way, because in the 70’s , there were many films made portraying white people as organized crime figures, and they were not labeled with a stereotypical brand like “white-crime-exlpoitation”, but films with a predominately black cast were.

The films made during this era provided a lot of opportunities for new talent to be in the spotlight for all to see, and many were produced and directed by African-Americans as well.

In the 1980s, McGee turned primarily to television.  Her numerous roles on television included stints on ‘L.A. Law’ and ‘Cagney & Lacey.’

McGee met her husband, Carl Lumbly, during her time on ‘Cagney & Lacey.’ They married in 1986 and had a son, Brandon, in 1988.

The actress is survived by her husband and son as well as her mother, Alma McGee, three brothers and a sister.(Source)

To find out more about the career of this incredible actress, click on this link:(IMDB)

 

Vonetta Mcgee...may she rest in power

Rest in peace Vonetta McGee…you opened a lot of doors for the rest of us!!!!Thank you!!!