One of the most famous Wimbledon Tennis Champions who also had a role in a John Wayne film is none other than Althea Gibson. Althea Gibson was the first African American to win a Grand Slam title in 1956 and went on to win Wimbledon in both 1957 and 1958.

Althea Gibson's foray into the world of film came in 1959 when she appeared in the John Wayne film 'The Horse Soldiers'. The film, which was directed by John Ford, follows a Union cavalry officer (played by John Wayne) who leads a mission to destroy a Confederate railroad during the American Civil War.

Althea Gibson played the role of Lukey, a slave who assists the Union soldiers in their mission. While her role in the film was small, it was significant as she was one of the first African American women to appear in a major Hollywood production.

If you want to learn more about Althea Gibson's tennis career or her role in 'The Horse Soldiers', you can visit the official Wimbledon website or check out the IMDb page for 'The Horse Soldiers'.

Althea Gibson's achievements in both tennis and film paved the way for future generations of African American athletes and actors. She will always be remembered as a trailblazer who broke down barriers and inspired others to follow their dreams.

So, the next time you watch 'The Horse Soldiers', remember the remarkable Althea Gibson and her contributions to both the world of sports and entertainment.

Sign Up