Who Is Harry Belafonte’s Ex-wife?
Marguerite Belafonte is the former wife of singer, activist, and actor Harry Belafonte. Marguerite was previously married to Harry Belafonte. Harry has been an advocate for political and humanitarian causes, such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement and USA for Africa. He has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, since 1987 and also acts as the American Civil Liberties Union celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues.
Marguerite Belafonte: Bio Summary
Name | Marguerite Belafonte |
Date of birth | October 12, 1923 |
Died | February 15, 1998 |
Famous as | Harry Belafonte’s ex-wife |
Parents | Robert Byrd and Martena Blue |
Spouse | Harry Belafonte |
Children | Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer and Shari Belafonte |
Occupation | Actress |
Marguerite Belafonte was born Marguerite Byrd on 12 October 1923 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA. Her parents are called Robert Byrd and Martena Blue. She was of Scottish-Jamaican descent. She is the sister of Charles R. Byrd and Beatrice B. Gilkes. She grew up in a Middle-Class Family. She holds an American nationality.
Marguerite Belafonte attended Dunbar High School and graduated in 1941. She attended the Hampton Institute, in Washington, D.C. She studied Early Childhood Education and earned a Master’s degree in Human Relations and Clinical Psychology from New York University.
ALSO, READ; Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer: Where is Harry Belafonte’s daughter?
Marguerite Belafonte was a school teacher before she decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry as an actress. She taught at an institution in New York. She later moved from New York to Washington. She was an actress, known for Night of the Quarter Moon (1959).
Also Read: Harry Belafonte Wife: Who Is He Married To?
Personal Life
Marguerite Belafonte got married to Harry Belafonte in 1948. She is the first wife of Harry. Marguerite was a campus beauty at the Hampton Institute. She met Harry while Harry was serving in the Navy. They dated for some time before getting married.
They have been blessed with two daughters: Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer and Shari Belafonte. Adrienne is now a professional counselor who has spent 25 years leading a private counseling practice for children and families. She has a daughter named Rachel Blue Belafonte.
ALSO, READ; Pamela Frank: Who Is Harry Belafonte’s Wife?
Marguerite Byrd was pregnant with their second child Shari when she separated from Harry. Shari is an actress, model, writer, and singer. She posed nude for Playboy in the magazine’s September 2000 edition and was herself an avid photographer. She has been married to actor Sam Behrens since December 31, 1989.
Also Read: Gina Belafonte: Facts About Harry Belafonte’s Daughter
In 1957, Marguerite and Harry got divorced. Marguerite returned to Washington, where her family was prominent in real estate. She became the director of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare’s fellows’ program. She remarried.
Marguerite Byrd married a medical doctor called Dr. Edward Mazique, a former president of the Howard Medical Alumni Association and the Howard University alumni federation president. Harry Belafonte married Julie Robinson but they later got divorced. He has been married to Pamela Frank.
ALSO, READ; Harry Belafonte dies at 96- Cause of Death revealed
What Happened To Marguerite Belafonte?
Marguerite Belafonte passed away on February 15, 1998, in Washington D.C., USA. She reportedly died of heart disease. She died at age 74. She is survived by her children, Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer and Shari Belafonte. Her grandchildren Rachel and Brian Biesemeyer are from her daughter Adrienne’s marriage with David Biesemeyer. On April 25, 2023, Belafonte also passed away from heart failure at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, at the age of 96.
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