American actress, singer, and dancer. She attended the School of Music and the Arts while growing up in Harlem, New York City. Over the years, she had several appearances in plays, TV shows, and movies. Among her films are Soylent Green (1973), The Andromeda Strain (1970), and Sweet Charity (1969). Her performances in the television shows Night Court (1984) and The Women of Brewster Place (1989) earned her two Emmy Award nominations. In 2009, she participated in the play Crowns. She also married British-born director Don Chaffey in 1985.