Micki Grant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Micki Grant
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Grant on Another World, 1968
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| Born |
Minnie Louise Perkins
June 30, 1929 |
| Died | August 22, 2021 (aged 92) New York City, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Lehman College |
| Occupation |
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| Spouse(s) |
Ray McCutcheon
(m. 1966–1978) |
Micki Grant (born Minnie Louise Perkins, June 30, 1929 – August 22, 2021) was a talented American singer, actress, writer, and composer. She was known for her amazing work on Broadway and in television. Micki Grant received three Tony Award nominations for her writing. She helped create many popular shows, including Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.
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Early Life and Learning
Minnie Louise Perkins was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 30, 1929. Her parents were Gussie and Oscar Perkins. Her father was a self-taught pianist and a barber. Her mother worked for Stanley Products.
Micki started learning music at a young age. She took double-bass lessons in elementary school. At eight, she began piano lessons. The next year, she started acting lessons. After high school, her cousin, actress Jeni Le Gon, helped her when Micki moved to Los Angeles. Micki also studied at the Chicago School of Music. She attended the University of Illinois for three years. Then, she moved to New York City to follow her dreams.
Micki Grant's Career
Theater Work
In Los Angeles, Micki Grant was cast in a play called Fly Blackbird. This show was very successful. It later moved to New York City. Micki also graduated with high honors from Lehman College.
In the early 1960s, she performed in off-Broadway plays. These included The Blacks with famous actors James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson. She also sang in Brecht on Brecht. In 1964, Micki played Ella Hammer in The Cradle Will Rock.
Micki worked a lot with director Vinnette Carroll. Vinnette was the first African-American woman to direct a show on Broadway. They worked together on Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope. Micki starred in this show. She also wrote its music, story, and lyrics. They also teamed up for Your Arms Too Short to Box with God. Micki wrote extra lyrics and music for this play. Both shows were very popular and ran for a long time on Broadway.
Television Roles
Micki Grant made history on television. She played attorney Peggy Nolan on the show Another World. This was the first time an African-American character had a main storyline on a daytime soap opera. She was on the show from 1966 to 1973.
Later, she appeared on The Edge of Night. She also joined the cast of Guiding Light from 1982 to 1984. Micki even hosted a children's show called Around the Corner on CBS.
Radio Appearances
When Micki first moved to New York City, she worked as a receptionist at a radio station. But soon, she got a chance to be on the air. She hosted a show called Readings and Writings. On this show, Micki performed material she found from her research at the public library.
Personal Life
Micki Grant married Ray McCutcheon in 1966. Ray was a television news film editor. They were married for 12 years. They divorced in 1978. Micki Grant passed away on August 22, 2021, in New York City. She was 92 years old.
Awards and Honors
Micki Grant received an Obie Award in 1972. This award was for her music and lyrics for Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.
Writing Credits
Micki Grant wrote many songs and musicals. Here are some of her notable works:
- "Pink Shoe Laces" (1959) – a pop song that became very popular.
- Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope (1971) – a musical where she wrote the music and lyrics, and also performed.
- Your Arms Too Short to Box with God (1976) – a musical where she added music and lyrics.
- Working (1978) – a musical she worked on with other composers.
- It's So Nice to Be Civilized (1980) – a musical where she wrote the story, music, and lyrics.
- Carver (Don't Underestimate a Nut) (1996) – a musical where she wrote the music, lyrics, and story.
