Clarice Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarice Taylor
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| Born | September 20, 1917 |
| Died | May 30, 2011 (aged 93) Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Occupation | Stage, television, film actress |
| Years active | 1960-2009 |
| Children | 2 |
Clarice Taylor (born September 20, 1917 – died May 30, 2011) was an American actress. She was famous for her roles on TV shows like Sanford and Son and The Cosby Show. She also appeared in many movies and plays.
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About Clarice Taylor
Clarice Taylor was born in Buckingham County, Virginia. She grew up in Harlem, New York. She became well-known for playing Anna Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Anna was the mother of Dr. Cliff Huxtable, played by Bill Cosby. Clarice was even nominated for an Emmy Award in 1986 for this role!
Before becoming a full-time actress, Clarice worked for the United States Postal Service. This helped her support herself while she pursued her dream of acting.
Starting in Theatre
Clarice began her acting journey in theatre. She worked with the American Negro Theatre. This was a time when there were not many chances for African Americans to act. In the 1960s, she got her big break. This allowed her to act all the time. She was also one of the people who helped start the Negro Ensemble Company in New York City.
Movies and TV Shows
Clarice Taylor appeared in many films and TV shows. Her first movie role was in Change of Mind (1969). She then played Minnie in Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon (1970). In 1971, she was Birdie in Clint Eastwood's Play Misty For Me.
One of her most famous movie roles was Gladys Brooks in Five on the Black Hand Side (1973). She had first played this role in a play. Later films included Sommersby (1993) and Smoke (1995).
Popular TV Roles
Clarice had two very popular roles on television:
- On Sanford & Son (1972), she played Cousin Emma.
- On The Cosby Show (1984), she played Anna Huxtable, Cliff's mom.
She also played Grace on Sesame Street.
Stage Performances
Clarice Taylor loved performing on stage. She was in the musical The Wiz as Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North. She also played Idella Landy in the Broadway play Purlie.
Her one-woman show, called Moms, was very special. She toured with it and won an Obie Award in 1987 for her amazing performance.
Later Life and Passing
Clarice Taylor passed away on May 30, 2011, in Englewood, New Jersey. She was 93 years old. She left behind her two adopted sons, William and James Thomas, and her family.
Filmography
- Change of Mind (1969) - Rose Landis
- Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon (1970) - Minnie
- Play Misty For Me (1971) - Birdie
- Such Good Friends (1971) - Mrs. McKay
- Five on the Black Hand Side (1973) - Mrs. Brooks
- Nothing Lasts Forever (1984) - Lu
- Sommersby (1993) - Esther
- Smoke (1995) - Grandma Ethel
See also
In Spanish: Clarice Taylor para niños
