Photo via: WSB-TV
You’ve probably already seen the “Black Panther” movie once or twice (maybe three times) by now. If you have, then more than likely you remember the Merchant Tribal Elder who advises the king of Wakanda. The actress’ name is Dorothy Steel and she’s 92 years old.
Turns out, the Atlanta native didn’t pursue her acting career until the age of 88. She told WSB-TV Channel 2’s Nefertiti Jáquez, “If anyone would have told me I would be an actor, I would’ve said you got to be out of your mind.”
Steel was 91 years old when she landed a role in currently the third-highest grossing Marvel Cinematic Universe release. In fact, she got a call-back within an hour of sending Marvel her audition tape. On set, she doubled as the Merchant Tribal Elder and the grandmother.
“Chadwick (Boseman) the King. Every day, he would make sure if I was on the set, he would come by and make sure he gave me a big ol’ hug and kiss,” Steel shared.
In addition to representation, Jáquez reported that Steel believes the women heroes in the film helped the film break records at the box office.
“We were one big melting pot of Black people and we knew we were doing something that had never been done before, ” she added.
Mrs. Steel, thank you for showing us all that we can pursue our dreams at any age.