Leslie Uggams: A Timeless Career and a Love Story that Defied All Odds

Leslie Uggams has enjoyed a captivating career in both theater and film, with her incredible journey spanning over seven decades. Though she’s a celebrated singer and actress hailing from Harlem, she’s perhaps most widely recognized today for her role in the Deadpool series. However, Uggams’ personal life, particularly her groundbreaking marriage to Grahame Pratt in 1965, is just as noteworthy as her time on stage and screen.

Their marriage was unconventional for the time—Leslie, an African American woman, and Grahame, a white Australian man, faced societal hurdles because interracial relationships were not widely accepted. Despite this, their love story stands as a powerful testament to overcoming adversity.

Leslie’s career took off early when she recorded a song for MGM at the tender age of 10 in 1953. With her undeniable talent, her aunt, the accomplished soprano Eloise Uggams, encouraged her to attend prestigious schools like the Julliard School of Music and the Professional Children’s School in New York.

Even though her musical career was already thriving, Leslie became a trailblazer in television as well. In 1969, she hosted The Leslie Uggams Show, making history as the first Black person to helm a network variety show since The Nat King Cole Show.

It was during these years that Leslie met Grahame Pratt, a fellow actor she had initially crossed paths with as students at the Professional Children’s School. They reconnected years later while Leslie was touring in Australia. Despite Leslie’s family’s reservations about interracial relationships, she and Grahame fell in love, and their relationship blossomed.

Leslie was all too aware of the difficulties associated with interracial dating, having experienced them first-hand. She recalled a conversation with her aunt after she showed her a photo of a white boy she had been seeing. Her aunt responded with skepticism, suggesting that dating outside her race was fine temporarily, but ultimately Leslie should marry a Black man. Nevertheless, Leslie and Grahame’s love grew, and by the time she returned to New York, they were engaged.

Even with the societal pressures and concerns about how her family would react, Leslie followed her heart. When Grahame eventually moved to the U.S. to be with her, Leslie discovered that her fears were largely unfounded. Grahame, as an Australian, didn’t carry the same social baggage that often plagued interracial couples in America at the time. He fit in with Leslie’s circle of friends and was well-liked by both men and women.

While their interracial relationship wasn’t met with the same level of hostility in New York as in other parts of the country, Leslie still encountered racism, particularly through hate mail. She recalled one incident in Detroit where a letter was addressed to her as “The Little Negro Entertainer,” illustrating the type of discrimination they faced.

Despite these challenges, the couple’s bond only strengthened. They married, and Grahame became her manager, supporting her through her career highs and lows. Together, they had two daughters, Danielle in 1970 and Justice in 1976. Leslie’s career continued to thrive, with standout roles in productions like the miniseries Roots, where she earned an Emmy nomination, and later as a lead in Backstairs at the White House.

Now, after more than 55 years of marriage and a granddaughter named Cassidy, Leslie and Grahame remain happily married. Reflecting on their relationship, Leslie has said, “We have a lot of fun together, but it’s not always sunshine and roses. We enjoy each other’s company.”

Their enduring love story has defied societal expectations and stands as a testament to mutual support and loyalty. Through their unwavering commitment to each other, they have continued to inspire others.