She portrayed Beneatha in a 1999 rendition of A Raisin in the Sun,[6] and acted in Flying Over Purgatory alongside Ruby Dee.[8] While acting on stage, Warren worked for an architectural firm to make ends meet.[6] She worked with Atlanta theater company Alliance Theatre for many years before appearing in Ray.[6]
Warren landed the role of Aretha Robinson, the mother of Ray Charles, in biopic Ray.[9] The film's director, Taylor Hackford, had witnessed Warren acting in a stage production and had her audition for the role. She won the part, being the only actress considered.[8]
The above account of how Warren landed the role is expanded upon and partially contradicted by both the director Taylor Hackford and Warren herself in a bonus documentary featurette 'The Filmmaker's Journey' included in the deluxe 2-DVD edition of Ray. According to Warren, she was tipped by the hotel sales manager to go up to the 2nd floor where the auditions were being held. When she gave her name, she was told she wasn't on the list of appointments, and when admitting not having an agent or being a member of SAG was told she could not be there, as it was a SAG-only audition. However, she was told "We like your nerve." Hackford said that into the office came a woman who had a picture of herself and a non-professional resume, and said to give her a break, and let her read. Hackford: "We turned the camera on, and this Force came out!...We never read another actress for this role."
