Journey of Moms’ Mabley: From Brevard to Stardom
TL/DR –
The article provides an extensive biography of the popular actor and comedian “Moms” Mabley, whose birth name was Loretta Mary Aiken. Born in 1897 in Brevard, North Carolina, Mabley was raised in a privileged family until her father’s untimely death, after which she endured a series of hardships, including sexual assault and abuse. Despite these experiences, she broke into show business in the 1920s, initially performing in the “Chitlin’ Circuit” for black audiences before gaining recognition from white audiences in the 1960s, and she used her platform to address societal issues such as ageism, sexuality, gender, and racism.
Comedian Moms Mabley’s Childhood and Career
The late actor and comedian Moms Mabley, known for her hilarious and insightful stand-up routines, was born and raised in Brevard, just 40 miles from Asheville. In October 1971, Moms performed at City Auditorium in Asheville, marking her first performance in Western North Carolina despite her long career in show business.
Moms spent the morning before her Asheville show reminiscing about her childhood in Brevard with local business owner Al Hutchinson. Her childhood experiences in Western North Carolina had greatly influenced her successful career as a performer.
Born in Brevard
Known as Loretta Mary Aiken before she took the stage name Jackie “Moms” Mabley, she was born on March 19, 1897, to Jim and Mary Aiken. Jim, who was born into slavery in 1861, was a well-liked and successful businessman in Brevard, owning a large building on Main Street.
Jim was also civically minded and significantly contributed to the community. After his death, Loretta’s family’s social and economic standing in the community declined. Despite hardships, Loretta stayed in Western North Carolina until she was sexually assaulted, resulting in pregnancy.
Career in Show Business
Following the assault, Loretta planned to travel to Detroit for an abortion but chose to enter the stage instead. She began her career in Pittsburgh, performing a comedy part in a play called “The Rich Aunt From Utah.”
After her showbiz breakthrough, Loretta adopted the stage name Jackie Mabley. As her popularity grew, she became part of the Harlem Renaissance and came out as a lesbian, contrary to her adopted persona of a “dirty old lady.”
Breaking Barriers in Comedy
In 1962, Moms Mabley’s act became more political as the civil rights movement was gaining momentum across the United States. Her accessible and non-threatening persona let her address issues like ageism, sexuality, gender, and racism without alienating her audience.
Despite her influential nationwide presence as a performer and activist, Moms Mabley’s ties to Western North Carolina are little known. In October 2023, the NC Highway Historical Marker Program placed a marker recognizing Moms Mabley on Brevard’s Main Street, identifying her as a pioneering Black comedian and a social and civil rights activist.
—
Read More US News; North Carolina News