Actress and jazz singer Lena Horne has died at the age of 92.
The Brooklyn-born star passed away late yesterday at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the medical centre’s spokeswoman Gloria Chin confirmed. Further details have not yet been released.
Horne is best known for playing the role of Selina Rogers in the 1943 film Stormy Weather. Her version of the movie’s title song later became a successful single and her signature hit.
The star’s long career saw her break down racial barriers to become known as Hollywood’s first black sex symbol. She was also an activist in the Civil Rights Movement.
Among Horne’s other movies were Panama Hattie and Cabin In The Sky. Additionally, she appeared in a large number of war-time musicals.
Horne’s last music release was 2006’s Seasons Of A Life, a collection of previously unreleased performances.
The star is survived by her daughter Gail Lumet Buckley.