Merritt, Theresa (1924–1998)

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Merritt, Theresa (1924–1998)

African-American actress and singer. Born Sept 24, 1924, in Emporia, VA; died June 12, 1998, in The Bronx, NY; m. Benjamin Hines, 1945; children: 4.

Was a member of the Helen Way Singers (1950s) and did session singing, most notably "Early in the Morning" for Buddy Holly (1958); made Broadway debut in Carmen Jones (1943), followed by Golden Boy, Tambourines to Glory, Trumpets of the Lord, Don't Play Us Cheap, Division Street, The Wiz and Mule Bone; star of tv series "That's My Mama"; films include They Might be Giants, The Goodbye Girl, All that Jazz, The Great Santini, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and The Serpent and the Rainbow. Nominated for Tony Award as Best Actress for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (1985); nominated for 2 Emmys.