Well known as the character Peral Shay on the series 227, she frequently played grandmother roles later in her career, a career that spanned 63 years.
She performed on Broadway for decades including performances in Native Son, The Blacks, Raisin, Purlie Victorious, and The Amen Corner.
Some of her grandmother roles came in the films Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood and Hollywood Shuffle.
She was born in St. Louis and died in Monterey, California.
She appeared in the Eddie Murphy starring film Beverly Hills Cop III.
