Billie Allen

Billie Allen (January 13, 1925 – December 29, 2015) was an American actress, theater director, dancer, and entertainer. She was one of the first black actors and performers to appear on television and stage in the United States, breaking barriers for African Americans during a time when those venues were largely closed to them. Allen gained recognition in the 1950s when she landed a recurring role as a WAC on the CBS army base comedy The Phil Silvers Show. She was also one of the first African Americans to appear in television commercials, as well as one of the earliest black actors on daytime soap operas, appearing as Ada Chandler on The Edge of Night. In addition to her TV work, Allen made a name for herself on Broadway and off Broadway stages.