Urylee Leonardos (May 14, 1910 – April 25, 1986) was an American vocalist and actress who appeared frequently on Broadway. She has the distinction of being the first black performer to understudy and go on for a Latina in a Broadway production. She filled in for Yma Sumac in the role of Princess Najla in the 1951 production of Flahooley.
Biography Leonardos appeared in Mike Todd's Gay New Orleans revue at the 1939 World's Fair in New York City. Later that year, she had a small role on Broadway in The Male Animal.
Her big break came in 1943, when she was cast in the musical Carmen Jones. Initially cast in a small role, Leonardo took over the lead in the 1946 revival of the production.
Leonardos filled in for Yma Sumac as Princess Najla in the 1951 production, Flahooley. It was the first time that a black performer stepped into a role played by a Latina on Broadway. She also played the female lead in the 1953 revival of Porgy and Bess.
Selected credits
Theatre Year Production Role(s) Theatre(s) Notes1956Bells Are RingingOpening night playbillEnsembleSam S. Shubert Theatre1953Porgy and BessBessZiegfeld TheatreRevival. Alternated role with Leontyne Price1952Shuffle AlongLaura PophamBroadway TheatreRevival of the 1920s musical, but set in Northern Italy and New York City in 19451951FlahooleySwitchboard Operator, Singer, Najla (understudy)Broadhurst Theatre1948Set My People FreeBlancheHudson TheatreStaged by Martin Ritt1946Carmen JonesCarmenCity CenterRevival of 1943 production1943Carmen Jones Card Player, EnsembleBroadway Theatre
Motion Pictures Year Title Role Distributor Notes1950No Sad Songs for MeFlora, the MaidColumbia
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