Beah Richards

Born July 12, 1926, in Vicksburg, Mississippi
Died September 14, 2000, in Vicksburg, Mississippi

Beah Richards was an actress, poet, and playwright of special sensitivity. She was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of the passionately peacemaking mother in the film Guess Who’s Coming for Dinner? Among her numerous credits for stage, television, and film are featured roles in James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner, Ossie Davis’s Purlie Victorious, and Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes. In 1988, she won an Emmy Award for her performance in Frank’s Place. Richards won another Emmy in 2000 for her appearance on The Practice.