Malinda Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Malinda Williams
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Williams and D-Nice in June 2006
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| Born | September 24, 1970 Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Other names | Malinda Williams-Phifer |
| Occupation | Actress, producer |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 1 |
Malinda Williams (born September 24, 1970) is an American actress and producer. She started her acting journey on television. Later, she became well-known for her roles in movies like A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996), High School High (1996), and The Wood (1999).
From 2000 to 2004, Malinda Williams played the character Tracy "Bird" Van Adams in the TV drama series Soul Food on Showtime. For this role, she was nominated three times for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. After starring in the TV show Windfall, she appeared in other films such as Idlewild (2006), Daddy's Little Girls (2007), First Sunday (2008), and 2 Days in New York (2012).
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Malinda Williams' Acting Journey
Malinda Williams first appeared on television in an episode of The Cosby Show in 1987. She also made guest appearances on popular shows like Miami Vice, Roc, My So-Called Life, Sister, Sister, Moesha, and NYPD Blue.
Early Film Roles
Her first movie role was in the 1996 comedy-romance film A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. That same year, she also acted in Sunset Park and High School High. From 1997 to 1998, she had a main role in The WB sitcom Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher. In 1999, she was in the romantic comedy film The Wood, and the next year, she appeared in the thriller Uninvited Guest.
Starring in Soul Food
Malinda Williams is most famous for her role as Bird in the Showtime drama series Soul Food. This show continued the story from the successful 1997 movie. The series also featured Nicole Ari Parker and Vanessa Estelle Williams. Malinda's performance earned her three nominations for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. The show ran from 2000 to 2004. Soul Food became the longest-running drama with a mostly Black cast in American prime-time television history. While working on Soul Food, Malinda also appeared in Ruff Endz's music video "Someone to Love You" in 2002.
After Soul Food
After Soul Food ended in 2004, Malinda appeared in rapper Young Buck's music video "Shorty Wanna Ride", playing his love interest. She later guest-starred on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In 2006, she was a regular cast member on the short-lived NBC drama series Windfall.
Recent Films and TV Shows
In 2006, Malinda Williams was in the musical film Idlewild. The next year, she co-starred in Tyler Perry's romantic comedy-drama Daddy's Little Girls. In 2008, she appeared in First Sunday alongside Ice Cube. She then acted in several independent films. In 2012, Malinda co-starred as Chris Rock's sister in the romantic comedy film 2 Days in New York.
Between 2013 and 2015, she played the main role in the Up network's TV movie Marry Me for Christmas and its two sequels, Marry Us for Christmas and A Baby for Christmas. In 2013, she also started hosting the talk show Exhale on the Aspire network. She starred in two films for TV One: Girlfriends' Getaway and its sequel Girlfriends' Getaway 2 in 2014 and 2015. In these movies, she acted alongside Garcelle Beauvais, Terri J. Vaughn, and Essence Atkins. In 2015, Malinda Williams also had a supporting role in David O. Russell's comedy film Accidental Love.
Personal Life
Malinda Williams was married to actor Mekhi Phifer from 1999 to 2003. They have one son together.
In August 2008, she married rapper D-Nice. They separated in August 2009 and their divorce was finalized in June 2010.
Music Videos
Malinda Williams has appeared in several music videos:
- "Many Styles" by Audio Two
- "Someone to Love You" by Ruff Endz
- "Back at you" by Mobb Deep
- "Shorty Wanna Ride" by Young Buck
- "What Could've Been" by Ginuwine
- "Until It's Gone" by Monica
- "Self Destruction" by Boogie Down Productions
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Awards | Category | Recipient | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Black Reel Awards | Black Reel Award for Best Actress | "The Wood" | Nominated |
| 2003 | NAACP Image Award | NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | "Soul Food" | Nominated |
| 2004 | Nominated | |||
| 2005 | Nominated | |||
| 2013 | American Black Film Festival | American Black Film Festival Award for Best Performance | "The Undershepherd" | Won |
See also
In Spanish: Malinda Williams para niños
