Paul Robeson Stars in O'Neill's 'All God's Chillun Got Wings'—Interracial Casting Controversy

In 1924, Paul Robeson starred in Eugene O'Neill's 'All God's Chillun Got Wings' and appeared in 'The Emperor Jones' at the Provincetown Playhouse in New York. His casting opposite a white actress in 'All God's Chillun' provoked death threats and national controversy, while his performance in 'The Emperor Jones' revealed a tragic depth that made him internationally celebrated. These roles established him as the most significant Black actor of the century.