Theresa Merritt facts for kids

Theresa Merritt was an American actress and singer. She was born on September 24, 1922, and passed away on June 12, 1998. Many people remember her for her role in the TV show That's My Mama (1974-1975). She also appeared in popular movies like The Wiz (1978) and Billy Madison (1995).

Theresa Merritt's Acting Career

Theresa Merritt was born in Emporia, Virginia. She performed in many plays before she became widely known. A big moment in her career was when she played Ma Rainey in the play Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. For this role, she was nominated for a Tony Award, which is a very important award for theater.

She also took on the role of Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the play The Wiz. She later left The Wiz because the role was hard on her singing voice. After that, she starred in the TV show That's My Mama, which was a popular sitcom.

Merritt also performed in many other plays on Broadway, including Mule Bone, The Crucible, and Carmen Jones. She also traveled with touring shows of famous musicals like Funny Girl, Show Boat, and South Pacific.

Her most famous movie roles include playing Aunt Em in the 1978 film The Wiz. She was also Mrs. Crosby in the movie The Goodbye Girl (1977) and Juanita in the comedy Billy Madison (1995), which starred Adam Sandler.

Her Life and Family

Theresa Merritt was married to Benjamin Hines, and they had four children together. In 1977, she became an honorary member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, a group focused on public service. Theresa Merritt passed away from skin cancer on June 12, 1998, in New York City.

Movies and TV Shows

Awards and Nominations