Cynda Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cynda Williams
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Williams in 1984
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Cindy Ann Williams
1966 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Ball State University |
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| Years active | 1989–present |
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| Children | 1 |
Cynda Williams is an American actress and singer. She is known for her roles in movies like Mo' Better Blues and One False Move. She also sang the popular song "Harlem Blues" for the Mo' Better Blues soundtrack.
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Early Life and Schooling
Cynda Williams was born Cindy Ann Williams in Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Charles, was a police officer, and her mother, Beverly, was a medical lab technician. She grew up in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago.
As a child, she also spent time in Indiana and sang in her grandfather's church. When she was a teenager, she moved with her mother to Muncie, Indiana. There, she went to Northside High School and graduated in 1984.
After high school, Williams studied theater at Ball State University. She was very talented and was even crowned Ms. Ball State in 1987. She graduated from the university in 1989.
Acting and Music Career
In 1989, Williams changed her first name from "Cindy" to "Cynda." She did this so people wouldn't confuse her with another actress named Cindy Williams, who was famous for the TV show Laverne & Shirley.
Her first big movie role was in Spike Lee's 1990 film Mo' Better Blues. Moving to New York helped her career. She found that her unique look allowed her to play many different types of characters. In 1992, she starred in the movie One False Move. She also appeared in the TV miniseries Tales of the City.
Williams is also a talented singer. She sang the song "Harlem Blues" on the soundtrack for Mo' Better Blues. The song became a hit, reaching No. 9 on the R&B music charts in 1990. Because the song was so successful, she was offered a deal with Sony to make her own album. However, the album was never released.
Personal Life
From 1990 to 1992, Williams was married to actor Billy Bob Thornton.
Selected Film and TV Work
Cynda Williams has appeared in many movies and television shows. Here are some of her notable roles.
Key Movie Roles
- Mo' Better Blues (1990) as Clarke Bentancourt
- One False Move (1992) as Lila "Fantasia" Walker
- The Tie That Binds (1995) as Lisa-Marie Chandler
- Spirit Lost (1996) as Arabella
- Caught Up (1998) as Vanessa Dietrich/Trish
- Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999) as Vivian Dandridge
- The Courage to Love (2000) as Cecelia Delille
- Tru Loved (2008) as Lisa
- A Chance in the World (2017) as Ruby Dottin
Key Television Roles
- Tales of the City (1993) as D'orothea Wilson
- New York Undercover (1997) as Erica Rockler
- The Wedding (1998) as Liz Odis
Award Nominations
In 1993, Williams was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. The nomination was for Best Female Lead for her role in the movie One False Move.
