Stage debut in "Carmen Jones" (date approximate)

Worked as a singer with Harry Beleafonte and Jackie Wilson

Had featured role in "They Might Be Giants"

Was in the cast of Melvin Van Peebles' "Don't Play Us Cheap"

Portrayed Mammy in the stage musical "Gone With the Wind"

Starred as Mama in the ABC sitcom "That's My Mama"

Returned to Broadway to play the wicked witch Evelina in "The Wiz", an all-black musical version of "The Wizard of Oz"

Cast as Auntie Em in Sidney Lumet's screen version of "The Wiz"

Played Jewel in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas"

Portrayed legendary blues singer Ma Rainey in August Wilson's award-winning "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"; first played role at Yale Rep and later on Broadway; received Tony Award nomination as Featured Actress in a Play

Last feature appearance in "Billy Madison"