Minnie Gentry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Minnie Gentry
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Minnie Lee Watson
December 2, 1915 Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
|
| Died | May 11, 1993 (aged 77) New York City, U.S.
|
| Spouse(s) | Lloyd Gentry (1932 - ?) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Terrence Howard (great-grandson) |
Minnie Gentry was an American actress who appeared in many movies, TV shows, and plays. She was born Minnie Lee Watson on December 2, 1915, and passed away on May 11, 1993.
Contents
Early Life and Beginning in Acting
Minnie Gentry was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Her parents were Mincie and Taylor Watson. When she was a child, her family moved to Cleveland.
Minnie started learning piano at age nine. She attended the Phyllis Wheatley School of Music. She also began acting at a place called the Friendly Inn Settlement. In 1932, she married Lloyd Gentry. After that, she performed in many plays at the Karamu House, an important African-American theater.
On Stage and Screen
Minnie Gentry had a busy acting career. She performed in several plays on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City. Some of her Broadway shows included All God's Chillun Got Wings (1975) and The Sunshine Boys (1972).
She also appeared in many films. Some of her movies were School Daze, Def by Temptation, and Jungle Fever. On television, she played Aunt Bess on the show All My Children. She was also Miriam George on Ryan's Hope. Many people might remember her from her appearance on The Cosby Show.
Family and Later Life
Minnie Gentry had one daughter, Marjorie Hawkins. Her great-grandson is the well-known actor Terrence Howard.
Minnie Gentry passed away at her home in Manhattan, New York, on May 11, 1993. She was 77 years old.
Selected Film and Television Appearances
Minnie Gentry appeared in many films and TV shows throughout her career. Here are a few of them:
- Cosby show (1984) – She played a character named Gramtee.
- Georgia, Georgia (1972) – She was Mrs. Alberta Anderson.
- Come Back, Charleston Blue (1972) – She played Her Majesty.
- Black Caesar (1973) – She appeared as Momma Gibbs.
- Claudine (1974) – She had a small role as a Bus Woman.
- The Brother from Another Planet (1984) – She played Mrs. Brown.
- Def by Temptation (1990) – She was cast as Grandma.
- Bad Lieutenant (1992) – She played an Elderly Woman.
