TV Director and Actor Karen Bankhead Shares Black History Month Perspective Thursday

A special event commemorating Black History Month will be held at the Pasadena Senior Center on Cultural Thursday, Feb. 22, featuring TV director and actress Karen Bankhead, starting at 2 p.m.

The event, co-presented by Annie Laskey, Director of Events at the Senior Center, will be an insightful journey into Bankhead’s extensive career and the remarkable persona of her alter ego, Miss Etta Mae Mumphries. Known for her roles in acting, writing, producing, and stand-up comedy, Bankhead will share her experiences as a Black woman in show business, weaving in the timeless wisdom and motivational spirit of Miss Etta Mae.

Through Miss Etta Mae, Bankhead has been captivating audiences with performances centered on Black history, particularly for Juneteenth celebrations.

Bankhead said the character of Etta Mae Mumphries evolved from her one-woman show, “The V-05 Experience,” where Etta Mae was the central figure. She said she sought to incorporate the presence of a wise, elderly Black woman who could offer words of wisdom and encouragement to the character Karen during a period of personal struggle and career frustration.

She initially considered impersonating iconic figures like Ruby Dee or Lena Horne, but shifted gears after watching a documentary on Black Women in Entertainment. The documentary, she said, featured renowned figures such as Alberta Hunter and Nina Mae McKinney, but also highlighted lesser-known women who played significant roles in the lives of these entertainers.

“Etta Mae was born through that – kind of like Forrest Gump, who somehow was always around when greatness was happening,” Bankhead said. “I also based her on the great women who have molded and encouraged me – my own mother, Rose Hunter Bankhead, grandmothers, aunts and my mentor Reverend Bernice Edwards who was the most encouraging person I have ever known.”

Reflecting on the changing reception of Miss Etta Mae, especially in the context of Black History Month and Juneteenth, Bankhead highlighted the growing interest in Black history.

“People of all colors are interested in the rich, extensive, sometimes disturbing aspects of Black history,” she said, while acknowledging the delicate balance of keeping the act light and uplifting while addressing important issues.

Bankhead also shared some of the challenges she faced as a Black woman in show business, emphasizing the limited opportunities early in her career and the pressure to conform to stereotypical roles.

“But I tried and there’s a funny scene from my one-woman show where I get a note from the casting director to be less ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and more ‘Girls in the Hood,’” she said. “I think the field is wide open now and I’m excited about the plethora of black women telling our stories in their own, unique way.”

Despite these challenges, she expressed optimism about the current landscape, praising the increasing diversity of narratives in the industry.

Bankhead said the creative process for Miss Etta Mae involves tailoring material to the audience, ensuring a quirky, entertaining experience for everyone.

“There’s something about a little old lady in a hat and pink suit that brings some sort of joy to most people,” she said. “Even if I’m out and about in costume, I get so many smiles and good vibes and I really love that!”

Bankhead said she’s excited about future projects, including television appearances, social media content, and a book about her caregiving adventures.

“Television is my favorite medium so I’m looking to make more appearances as Etta Mae and/or Karen,” she said. “I’m excited to be at the Pasadena Senior Center this month and also for Juneteenth, and I have two big women’s conferences coming up this year that I’m delighted to be a part of.”

Tickets to the event on Thursday are $5 for nonmembers of the Pasadena Senior Center, and free for members.