Minnie Gentry

Minnie Gentry
Born
Minnie Lee Watson

(1915-12-02)December 2, 1915
Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
DiedMay 11, 1993(1993-05-11) (aged 77)
New York City, U.S.
SpouseLloyd Gentry (1932–?)
Children1
RelativesTerrence Howard (great-grandson)

Minnie Gentry (born Minnie Lee Watson, December 2, 1915 – May 11, 1993)[1] was an American actress.

Gentry was born Minnie Lee Watson in Norfolk, Virginia, the daughter of Mincie and Taylor Watson.[1] Her family moved to Cleveland during her childhood, where she began studying piano at the age of nine, at the Phyllis Wheatley School of Music.[1] She began acting at the Friendly Inn Settlement and married Lloyd Gentry in 1932.[1] Subsequently, she appeared in many plays at the African-American theater the Karamu House.

On Broadway, Gentry performed in All God's Chillun Got Wings (1975), The Sunshine Boys (1972), Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death (1971), and Lysistrata (1946).[2] She also appeared in several films, including The Brother from Another Planet, Def by Temptation, and Jungle Fever. She portrayed Aunt Bess on the television series All My Children and Miriam George on Ryan's Hope.[3] She also appeared as Gramtee on The Cosby Show.[1]

Gentry had a daughter, Marjorie Hawkins.[4] Her great-grandson is actor Terrence Howard.[5]

On May 11, 1993, Gentry died at her home in Manhattan at age 77.[4]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1972 Georgia, Georgia Mrs. Alberta Anderson
1972 Come Back, Charleston Blue Her Majesty
1973 Black Caesar Momma Gibbs
1974 Claudine Bus Woman Uncredited
1977 Greased Lightning Wendell's Mother
1984 The Brother from Another Planet Mrs. Brown
1986 America Mrs. Justice
1988 Apprentice to Murder Mam Isobel
1990 Cosby Show Gramtee
1990 Def by Temptation Grandma
1992 Bad Lieutenant Elderly Woman

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Encyclopedia of Cleveland History:GENTRY, MINNIE LEE WATSON
  2. ^ "Minnie Gentry". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  3. ^ McCann, Bob (21 December 2009). Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television. McFarland. pp. 126–127. ISBN 978-0-7864-5804-2. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Minnie Gentry, 77, An Actress on Stage And 'Cosby Show'". The New York Times. May 13, 1993. p. B 14. ProQuest 109090106. Retrieved October 20, 2020 – via ProQuest.
  5. ^ "Obituary: Anita Williams / Mother of actor, recruiter at Pitt". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 27 September 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2013.


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