The multi-talented African-American actress Lynne Thigpen was born Cherlynne Thigpen in Joliet, Illinois, on December 22, 1948. Following college graduation she taught high school English for a short time before the acting bug bit, her desire further fueled by a strong set of vocal chops. Moving to New York, she subsequently won a singing role as part of the ragtag disciple ensemble in the "flower ...
show all The multi-talented African-American actress Lynne Thigpen was born Cherlynne Thigpen in Joliet, Illinois, on December 22, 1948. Following college graduation she taught high school English for a short time before the acting bug bit, her desire further fueled by a strong set of vocal chops. Moving to New York, she subsequently won a singing role as part of the ragtag disciple ensemble in the "flower power" musical "Godspell" in 1971. Two years later she transferred her role to film along with several other members of the original stage cast. "Godspell (1973)", which was based on the teachings of the New Testament, opened the door for Lynne as a performer of strength, determination and vocal power, making every minute count with a rousing version of "O Bless the Lord My Soul." She continued on the 70s musical stage with roles in "The Magic Show" and the blue-collar piece "Working." In 1981 she earned a Tony nomination for her powerhouse perf in "Tintypes," but eventually reasoned that if she was to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress, she would need to refocus her energies. She abandoned her tuneful ways and ventured assertively into films and TV. During her 30-year career, Lynne went on to appear in nearly 40 movies and numerous television series, usually secondary but alternately fiery and dignified in nature. Lynne became a strong figure in social and urban drama as she avoided the pitfalls of typecasting. Though most of her early film parts were seemed somewhat small and insignificant, she continued to gained a footing in such popular features as "Tootsie (1982)", "Sweet Liberty (1986)", "Hello Again (1987)" and "Running on Empty (1988)". Every now and then she was given a chance to shine, as with her volatile school parent in "Lean on Me (1989)". TV was a more palpable and productive medium for her with a stand-out recurring role as a judge on "L.A. Law" (1986)" and a long-running part on the daytime soap "All My Children" (1970)". She also committed herself to wholesome viewing for children, portraying the chief on the PBS children's series "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?" (1991)" and "Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego?" (1996)" while earning four Emmy nominations in the process. Throughout the years, Lynne remained a vital force on the stage. She won a Los Angeles Drama Critics award for her performance in August Wilson's "Fences," two off-Broadway Obies for Athol Fugard's "Boesman and Lena" (1992) and "Jar the Floor" (2000), and a Tony for "Best Supporting Actress" for her portrayal of a half-Black, half-Jewish feminist in "An American Daughter" (1997). Other strong theater roles came with "A Month of Sundays" (1987) and as a spunky 101-year-old maiden lady in "Having Our Say." Lynne's dusky, commanding voice was also utilized to narrate more than 20 socially-relevant books on tape. Her last regular TV series role was as police clerk/computer expert Ella Farmer on "District, The" (2000)", a role she played until her sudden death in 2003. Found unconscious at her Marina del Rey, California home by a friend, Lynne died at age 54 of a cerebral hemorrhage. Her final film "Anger Management (2003)" starring Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson was released posthumously.
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