(November 15, 1933-September 29, 2001)
Born in Chicago, Illinois
Portrayed the Oracle in 'The Matrix' (1999) and 'The Matrix Reloaded' (2003)
Also appeared in the films 'The Cool World' (1964), 'Nothing But a Man' (1964), 'The Comedians' (1967), 'Leonard Part 6' (1987) and 'City of Hope' (1991)
Appeared on Broadway in 'A Raisin in the Sun' (1961) and 'Having Our Say' (1995)

She was divorced from Mod Squad star Clarence Williams III.
She was nominated for a Golden Razzie as Worst Supporting Actress for her performance in the Bill Cosby flop 'Leonard Part 6.'
She portrayed a character based on Betty Shabazz in two Law and Order episodes.
She died before filming any scenes for the third Matrix film and had to be replaced by Mary Alice.

She won three Obie Awards, including one for playing 27 characters in 'In White America' (1963).
When she earned a college degree, she said, 'I felt it was a debt I owed to my grandparents,' who had raised her after her mother was committed to a mental hospital.
She was the first black actress to play Medea and other classical roles on the New York stage.
She disagreed with playwright August Wilson's assertion that black actors should only perform black roles: 'There will be multicultural casting in this country.... Otherwise, what do we call it America for?'

Credit: C. Fishel

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• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 19]
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