Thigpen, Lynne (1948–2003)

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Thigpen, Lynne (1948–2003)

African-American actress. Name variations: Lynne Richmond. Born Lynne Richmond, Dec 22, 1948, in Joliet, IL; died Mar 12, 2003, in Los Angeles, CA.

Made NY stage debut in Godspell (1973); on tv, appeared as Grace Keeper on "All My Children" (1993–2000), and starred as the Chief in the PBS children's show "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" (1991) and as Ella Mae Farmer on "The District" (2000–03); films include The Insider, Shaft, Random Hearts, Lean on Me, Bob Roberts, Tootsie and Anger Management. Won Tony award for An American Daughter (1997), Obie awards for Boesman and Lena (1992) and Jar the Floor (2000), and Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Fences; nominated for a Tony for Tintypes (1981).