Danitra Vance (July 13, 1954 – August 21, 1994) was an American comedian and actress who made history as one of the first Black women cast on "Saturday Night Live." Born in Chicago, Vance joined SNL in 1985 and quickly became known for her sharp comedic timing and memorable characters. Her single season on the show was marked by groundbreaking performances that addressed race and gender issues through humor. Beyond SNL, Vance appeared in films including "The Color Purple" and was a respected stand-up comedian. She passed away from breast cancer in New York City at age 40, leaving behind a legacy that paved the way for future Black female comedians in mainstream entertainment.
