The Beulah Show was a popular situation-comedy series broadcast on CBS from 1945 to 1954, and on television on ABC from 1950 to 1953. It became the first sitcom to star an African American actress. Originally portrayed by Caucasian actor Marlin Hurt, the show was titled The Marlin Hurt and Beulah Show. After Hurt's sudden death, a white actor Bob Corley took over the role Beulah. It was then retitled to The Beulah show. In 1947, black actress Hattie McDaniel took over the role, she helped double the ratings of the original series. It was a historical first to have a black actress as the star of a major network radio program. McDaniel continued in the role until she became ill in 1952 and was replaced by Lillian Randolph, who was in turn replaced for the 1953-54 radio season by her sister, Amanda Randolph.
