Who is Althea Gibson?

Althea Gibson was a pioneering African American athlete who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming the first black female to win the Wimbledon Women's Singles Tennis Championship in 1957 and 1958. But aside from her achievements on the court, Gibson also left her mark on the world of television advertising, becoming one of the very first black commercial actors in the United States.

In the late 1950s, Gibson began to appear in commercials for a variety of products, including Pepsi-Cola, S&H Green Stamps, and various auto brands. She was a natural in front of the camera, with her warm smile and easy, approachable demeanor making her a hit with audiences across the country. Her status as a groundbreaking athlete only added to her appeal, helping to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes about what a "typical" commercial actor could look like.

Throughout her career, Gibson remained a trailblazer on and off the court, using her platform to advocate for equality and social justice. She passed away in September 2003, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of athletes and performers to this day.

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