Judyann Elder facts for kids

Judyann Elder (born Judith Ann Johnson; August 18, 1948) is an American actress, director, and writer. She is well-known for playing Nadine Waters on the TV show Martin. She also took on the role of Harriette Winslow in the last season of Family Matters. Judyann Elder has also performed in many plays across the United States and Europe.

Judyann Elder's Early Life and Acting Career

Judyann Elder was one of the first members of the Tony Award-winning Negro Ensemble Company. She created roles in important plays like The Song of the Lusitanian Bogey, Daddy Goodness, Kongi's Harvest, and God is a (Guess What?)".

In 1969, she played a young woman in Lonne Elder III's play Ceremonies in Dark Old Men. She toured with the play to London and Rome. She married the play's writer, Lonne Elder III, that same year and changed her name to Judyann Elder. Soon after, she and her husband moved to Los Angeles. There, she started acting in movies and TV shows.

Judyann Elder's TV and Film Roles

Judyann Elder made guest appearances in popular TV series such as The Streets of San Francisco, Sanford and Son, Wonder Woman, and The White Shadow. In 1976, she made her first appearance on Broadway in the play I Have a Dream. She played Coretta King alongside Billy Dee Williams. Later, she played Bernette Wilson in the TV miniseries A Woman Called Moses, which starred Cicely Tyson. She also appeared in movies like Forget Paris with Billy Crystal, The Players Club directed by Ice Cube, and Seven Pounds with Will Smith.

In the 1991–92 TV season, Judyann Elder played Dr. Barton, Murphy Brown's doctor, on the show Murphy Brown. Her role ended with a big episode where Dr. Barton delivered Murphy Brown's baby. From 1992 to 1997, she played Nadine Waters, Gina's mother, on Martin. Gina was played by Tisha Campbell. In 1998, Judyann Elder took over the role of Harriette Winslow in the last episodes of the popular show Family Matters, after Jo Marie Payton left.

Judyann Elder's Work as a Director

Judyann Elder has often returned to the stage. She recently played Rose in August Wilson's play Fences at Arkansas Rep. She has also directed many plays, including The Book of the Crazy African (Skylight Theatre), The Meeting (Inner City Cultural Center, LA and New Federal Theatre, NY), Ceremonies in Dark Old Men (Beverly Canon Theatre), and A Private Act (Robey Theatre Company). In 2016, her direction of Matthew Lopez' play The Whipping Man, starring Charlie Robinson, was broadcast across the country as part of the LA Theatre Works radio series.

Judyann Elder's Filmography

Movies

As a Director

• 1989: Behind God's Back – a short film (she also narrated it)
• 2013: A Private Act – a short film (she also wrote the screenplay)

Television Shows