Tyra Ferrell facts for kids

Tyra Ferrell (born March 29, 1956) is an American actress. She is famous for her roles in popular movies. These include Boyz n the Hood (1991), Jungle Fever (1991), White Men Can't Jump (1992), and Poetic Justice (1993).

On television, Tyra Ferrell had important parts in shows like The Bronx Zoo (1987−88) and City (1990). She also appeared many times on Thirtysomething (1989−90), ER (1994), and Empire (2015). Tyra Ferrell has been nominated for two NAACP Image Awards for her acting.

Life and Career Highlights

Early Life and Start in Acting

Tyra Ferrell was born in Houston, Texas. After finishing high school, she moved from Houston to New York. There, she began her acting journey on stage. She performed in famous shows like Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music (1981) and Ain't Misbehavin on Broadway.

Her first movie role was a small part in the 1981 comedy film So Fine. She then appeared in other movies such as Lady Beware, School Daze, and The Mighty Quinn. On television, she guest-starred in shows like Hill Street Blues and Quantum Leap. Tyra Ferrell's first big TV role was playing Roberta in the drama The Bronx Zoo (1987−88). She also had recurring roles on Square One Television and Thirtysomething. In 1990, she was a regular cast member on the TV show City, playing a secretary named Wanda Jenkins.

Becoming a Star in Movies

The year 1991 was very important for Tyra Ferrell. She played supporting roles in two major films. She was the mother, Brenda Baker, in Boyz n the Hood. Critics praised her performance, saying she brought a "fine edge" to the character. For this role, Tyra Ferrell was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Movie. She also played Orin Goode in Jungle Fever. Orin was the love interest of a character played by John Torturro. In the same year, she was named one of the "Promising New Actors of 1991."

The next year, 1992, she starred with Wesley Snipes in the comedy film White Men Can't Jump. She played his wife, Rhonda. After that, she had supporting roles in Equinox (1992) as Sonya, and in Poetic Justice (1993) as Jessie, a beauty salon owner.

Television Success and Awards

In 1993, Tyra Ferrell took on a main role as prosecutor Cutter Dubuque in the TV movie Better Off Dead. She received great reviews for her acting in this film. One reviewer said she "breathed life" into her character. In 1994, she had a recurring role as Dr. Sarah Langworthy in the first season of the medical drama ER. From 1996 to 1997, she co-starred in the science fiction series The Cape. She played Tamara St. James, a mission specialist.

In 2000, Tyra Ferrell co-starred in the HBO miniseries The Corner. She also made guest appearances on shows like Soul Food and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In 2005, she was nominated for her second NAACP Image Award. This time, it was for Best Actress in a TV Movie or Miniseries for her role in NTSB: The Crash of Flight 323. After 2004, Tyra Ferrell took a break from acting.

She returned to acting ten years later. She played a main role in the short film Boxed In. In 2015, Tyra Ferrell joined the cast of the TV show Empire. She played Roxanne Ford, a lawyer, in the second season of the show.

Awards and Nominations

Tyra Ferrell has been recognized for her acting with nominations for the NAACP Image Award. This award celebrates outstanding performances by people of color in film and television.

• 1992: Nominated for NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in Boyz n the Hood.
• 2005: Nominated for NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special for her role in NTSB: The Crash of Flight 323.