Vonetta Lawrence McGee, whose life was marked by an illustrious acting career and an unwavering commitment to addressing issues of racism and inequality, is a name not easily forgotten. While she was known for her captivating performances in films and on television, she was also a vocal advocate against the racial disparities within the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Born in San Francisco, California, on January 14, 1945, to Lawrence McGee and Alma McGee (née Scott), Vonetta McGee’s early life was far from ordinary. She graduated from San Francisco Polytechnic High School in 1962, but her journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the young age of 17. Her family had initially encouraged her to pursue a career in law, but life had other plans for her.
At San Francisco State University, McGee embarked on a path to study pre-law. It was during this time that she became involved with the Aldridge Players West, a racially conscious Black theater group. This exposure to the world of theater would ultimately redirect the course of her life. Despite her initial intent to pursue pre-law, she made the decision to drop out of college and seek work in the entertainment industry.
A Pioneering Career
Vonetta McGee’s foray into acting began in 1968 when she made her debut alongside prominent actors Jean-Louis Trintignant and Klaus Kinski in Sergio Corbucci’s Spaghetti Western, “The Great Silence.” Notably, she also made her first released film appearance in the Italian comedy “Faustina” earlier that year, playing the eponymous character.
Her career soon took off, with memorable roles in Blaxploitation films such as “Melinda” and “Hammer” in 1972. The following year, she played the role of Aleme, the daughter of an emir, in “Shaft in Africa” (1973). In the same year, she portrayed an occult priestess in “The Norliss Tapes.”
One of her iconic roles came in 1974 when she starred alongside Max Julien in the western action film “Thomasine & Bushrod,” which was intended as a counterpart to the legendary 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde.” The following year, she appeared alongside Clint Eastwood in the action thriller “The Eiger Sanction” (1975).
In 1977, McGee played a character similar to Angela Davis in the film “Brothers.” However, the movie was pulled from theaters due to the fear of potential riots. During the same year, she voiced her concerns in an interview with Ebony Magazine about the decreasing number of films led by Black actors over the previous two years.
Throughout her career, Vonetta McGee made it known that she disliked the term “Blaxploitation.” Instead, she advocated for the use of the term “Black-film genre,” emphasizing the impact it had on the Black community and its cultural significance.
Personal Life and Marriage
McGee’s personal life was marked by significant relationships and challenges. From 1974 to 1977, she was in a live-in relationship with actor Max Julien, and the two co-starred in the 1974 film “Thomasine & Bushrod.”
While she had aspirations of focusing on writing and filmmaking, her career took a pause in the late 1970s and early 1980s as she battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her return to the screen was marked by the 1984 cult classic film “Repo Man.”
It was on the set of “Cagney & Lacey” that McGee crossed paths with actor Carl Lumbly, leading to their marriage in 1987. The couple welcomed a son, Brandon, into the world in 1988. They also became spokespeople for the American Lung Association.
In 2001, McGee received a cancer diagnosis, and Carl Lumbly became her primary caregiver during her battle with the disease.
The Legacy of Vonetta McGee
Vonetta McGee’s acting career left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Her performances, her outspoken advocacy for change within the entertainment industry, and her commitment to raising awareness about racism and inequality contributed to a legacy that endures.
Vonetta McGee passed away on July 9, 2010, at the age of 65, due to cardiac arrest. Her influence lives on through her work and her determination to make a difference within an industry that continues to grapple with issues of diversity and representation.
The life and career of Vonetta McGee serve as a poignant reminder of the power of art to inspire change and highlight the importance of pursuing one’s passions in the face of adversity. Her journey stands as a testament to the lasting impact that individuals can have, both on and off the screen.