Marguerite Belafonte, born Frances Marguerite Byrd, was an American actress who gained fame in the late 1950s for her roles in various movies. She was born on October 12, 1923, in Washington, D.C., USA. Belafonte is also known as the ex-wife of Harry Belafonte, a famous Jamaican-American pop star. Keep reading this article to know the detailed information about Harry Belafonte’s first wife.
Marguerite Belafonte’s Birthday and Early Life
She was born on October 12, 1923, in Washington, D.C., and passed away on February 15, 1998, at the age of 74.
Marguerite Belafonte‘s zodiac sign is Libra, which is known for its balanced and diplomatic nature. People born under this sign are said to be social, charming, and have a strong sense of justice.
While not much is known about Belafonte’s education, it is believed that she attended a local high school in her hometown of Washington, D.C. However, despite not having a formal higher education, she went on to achieve great success in her career as an actress and activist.
| Birth Name | Marguerite Byrd |
| Birthday | October 12, 1923 |
| Age | 74 years (at death time) |
| Birthplace | Washington, District of Columbia, USA |
| Zodiac | Virgo |
| Parents | Not known |
| Siblings | Will update |
| Ex-husband | Harry Belafonte (1948-1957) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Relationship | Single |
| Boyfriend | None |
| Kids | Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer Shari Belafonte |
| Career | Actress |
| Net Worth | USD 400k (approx.) |
How did Marguerite Belafonte Die?
Marguerite Belafonte, the former wife of famous musician and actor Harry Belafonte, passed away on February 15, 1998, in Washington D.C., USA. She died at the age of 74 due to a heart ailment. Belafonte’s death in 1998 was a loss for the arts and civil rights communities.
However, her contributions and dedication to these fields continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists and activists. Marguerite Belafonte’s work serves as a reminder of the important role that women played in the civil rights movement and in shaping American culture.
Family and Siblings
Marguerite’s parents, whose names are not known, were both hardworking individuals. Her father was a small worker, while her mother was a housewife who took care of their four children. Although they did not have much, Marguerite Belafonte’s parents instilled in their children the value of hard work and determination, which would serve Marguerite well throughout her life.
Marguerite grew up with her siblings. While her siblings did not achieve the same level of success as Marguerite Belafonte, they were all hardworking individuals who made a life for themselves. Despite their different paths, the siblings remained close and supportive of each other.
Her former parents-in-law, Harold George Bellanfanti, Sr., and Melvine Bellanfanti, were also influential figures in Harry’s life. Harold worked for the New York City Parks Department. Melvine was a stay-at-home mother who helped to raise their eight children.
Marguerite Byrd Husband and Wedding
Marguerite and Harry Belafonte’s love story began in the early 1940s when they met in New York City. Harry, who was then a struggling artist, had come to New York to pursue his passion for music, while Marguerite Belafonte was studying nursing. They fell in love and got married on June 18, 1948, in New York City. The wedding was a small affair, attended only by close family and friends.
Harry Belafonte’s career began to take off shortly after their marriage, and he quickly became one of the most popular musicians in the world. Marguerite played a vital role in her husband’s career, providing emotional support and encouragement throughout his rise to fame.
Despite their successful marriage, Marguerite Belafonte and Harry Belafonte eventually parted ways. They got divorced in 1957, and the reason for their separation is not clear. However, it is believed that their divorce was amicable, and they remained on good terms.
Children and Grandchild
During their marriage, Marguerite and Harry Belafonte had two children: Shari Belafonte and Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer. Shari is now a successful actress, model, and singer.
Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer is a former model and actress. Marguerite Belafonte and Harry Belafonte also have one grandchild, Rachel Blue. Rachel is Shari Belafonte’s daughter.
Harry Belafonte’s Death News
On April 25, 2023, the world lost a legendary musician, actor, producer, and civil rights activist. Harry Belafonte passed away at the age of 96 due to congestive heart failure. The news of his death has come as a shock to many of his fans, colleagues, and friends, who have taken to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to his contributions to music and social justice.
Belafonte’s contributions to music and social justice have left a lasting impact on the world. He inspired many musicians, activists, and artists to use their voices and talents to make a difference. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Medal of Arts.
He was wedded to Pamela Frank at her death time. In addition to this, he was also married to Julie Robinson from 1957-2004. Harry had two kids with Julie named David Belafonte and Gina Belafonte.
Marguerite Belafonte Acting Career
Marguerite Belafonte began her acting career in the late 1950s and made her film debut in 1959 with the film “Night of the Quarter Moon,” where she played the role of a hostess. The movie was a melodrama directed by Hugo Haas and starred Julie London, John Drew Barrymore, and Anna Kashfi.
Despite her limited acting credits, Marguerite’s appearances on various television shows and films were enough to establish her as a talented actress and dancer. Her performances were often praised for their grace and poise, and she quickly became a sought-after performer in the entertainment industry.
Net Worth
Her net worth is not publicly known, as she kept a low profile after Marguerite Belafonte divorce from Harry Belafonte. However, it is believed that she earned a substantial amount of money during her acting and dance career.
As per the sources, she had a net worth of USD 400k (approx.) at the time of her death. Additionally, she may have received a significant settlement from her divorce from Harry Belafonte, who has an estimated net worth of $28 million.
Physical Stats
| Height | 5’8” |
| Weight | 56 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | Graduate from Private school |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| IMDb | Find Here |
| Homepage | Find Here |
Facts About Marguerite Byrd
- Marguerite Belafonte was born in Washington, D.C., USA, on October 12, 1923.
- She was married to Harry Belafonte and had two children with him, Adrienne and Shari Belafonte.
- Belafonte was an American actress who gained fame for her roles in various movies.
- She had one grandkid named Rachel Blue.
Q/A
Who was Marguerite Belafonte?
Marguerite Belafonte was the ex-wife of famous singer and actor Harry Belafonte.
When did Marguerite Belafonte marry Harry Belafonte?
18 June 1948.
When did Marguerite Belafonte divorce Harry Belafonte?
Marguerite Belafonte and Harry Belafonte got divorced in 1957 after nine years of marriage.
Does Marguerite Belafonte have any children with Harry Belafonte?
Yes, Marguerite Belafonte and Harry Belafonte have two children together named Shari Belafonte and Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer.
What did Marguerite Belafonte do for a living?
She was an actress.
