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Wed, 09.24.1924

Theresa Merritt, Stage, Musicals, and TV actress born

Theresa Merritt

Theresa Merritt was born on this date in 1924. She was a Black actress.

She was born in Emporia, VA, and she was a backup singer for Harry Belafonte. Merritt is probably best recognized for her role as “Mama Eloise” on the TV sitcom That's My Mama. Her talents found success on TV, film, and the stage.

In 1985, she received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" on Broadway.  Her films included "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and "All That Jazz," and she played “Aunt Em” in the musical "The Wiz."

She had four children, including a pair of twins. Theresa Merritt died of skin cancer on June 12, 1998.

To become an Actor or Actress

Reference:

IMDB.com

Find a Grave.com

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Academy Foundation
8949 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90211
Phone: 310-247-3000

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*Jack Johnson licked one pug so, d man retired to a farm. Never again opened his mouth save to talk abt peach-trees, sow & last year’s almanac; And whenever somebody say... WHITE HOPE (for shane stevens) by Ishmael Reed.
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