Judyann Elder facts for kids

Judyann Elder is an American actress, director, and writer. She is well-known for playing Nadine Waters on the FOX TV show Martin. She also took over the role of Harriette Winslow on CBS's Family Matters for the last season. Judyann Elder has also performed in many plays across the United States and Europe.

Early Acting Career

Judyann Elder was a founding member of the Tony Award-winning Negro Ensemble Company. She played original roles in several important plays like The Song of the Lusitanian Bogey and Kongi's Harvest.

In 1969, she acted in the 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.

Moving to Hollywood

Soon after, Judyann and her husband moved to Los Angeles. There, she started acting in movies and TV shows. She made guest appearances in popular series like The Streets of San Francisco, Sanford and Son, and Wonder Woman.

In 1976, she made her first appearance on Broadway in the play I Have a Dream. She acted 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 and Seven Pounds with Will Smith.

Famous TV Roles

From 1991 to 1992, Judyann Elder had a recurring role on the TV show Murphy Brown. She played Dr. Barton, Murphy Brown's doctor. Her role ended with a famous episode where Dr. Barton delivered Murphy Brown's baby.

She then played Nadine Waters, Gina's mother, on the show Martin from 1992 to 1997. Gina was played by Tisha Campbell. In 1998, Judyann Elder took over the role of Harriette Winslow in the final episodes of the popular show Family Matters, after Jo Marie Payton left the series.

Directing and Stage Work

Judyann Elder has often returned to the stage to act. She played Rose in August Wilson's play Fences. She has also directed many plays. Some of her directing credits include The Book of the Crazy African and The Meeting. In 2016, a play she directed, The Whipping Man, was broadcast on national radio.

Personal Life

Judyann Elder has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor and playwright Lonne Elder III. They had two children together, including actor Christian E. Elder. They were married from 1969 to 1994. Since 1997, Judyann Elder has been married to her second husband, actor John Cothran Jr.

She is a breast cancer survivor. She has also worked as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society.

Filmography

Film Roles

As a Director

• 1989: Behind God's Back – a short film
• 2013: A Private Act – a short film

Television Roles