Moved with family to Chicago area at age seven (date approximate)

After graduating from college, worked as a high school teacher in the Dallas area

Worked as a reporter for the Dallas Express

While working as a newspaper reporter met Raymond St. Jacques who cast her in "Book of Numbers"

Formed Dallas Minority Repertory Theater with Reginald Montgomery; made stage debut in "Happy Endings"

Retired from teaching

Appeared in TV-movie "Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders" and its 1980 sequel

Had featured role opposite Joanne Woodward in the TV-movie "Crisis at Central High"

Moved back to the Chicago area

Appeared in "Steppin' Out" at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre

Wrote and appeared in the stage play "Gentle Fire"

Began association with play "Jar the Floor", acting in a Chicago production

Had recurring role on ABC drama "Missing Persons"

Breakthrough screen role of Aunt T in "A Family Thing"

Played the matriarch in the sleeper hit "Soul Food"

NYC stage debut co-starring in the Off-Broadway production of "Jar the Floor"

Starred in Chicago revival of "A Raisin in the Sun"

Reprised role of family matriarch in the Showtime series "Soul Food"

Had featured role in the UPN supernatural-themed series "All Souls"

Starred with Tom Hanks and Marlon Wayans in "The Ladykillers," a film by Joel and Ethan Coen

Appeared in Michael Mann's "Collateral" which starred Tom Cruise