Minnie Gentry

Minnie Gentry (born Minnie Lee Watson, December 2, 1915 – May 11, 1993)[1] was an American actress.

Minnie Gentry
Born
Minnie Lee Watson

(1915-12-02)December 2, 1915
Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
DiedMay 11, 1993(1993-05-11) (aged 77)
New York City, U.S.
Spouse(s)Lloyd Gentry (1932 - ?)

Gentry was born Minnie Lee Watson in Norfolk, Virginia, the daughter of Mincie and Taylor Watson.[1] Her family moved to Cleveland during her childhood, where she began studying piano at the age of nine, at the Phyllis Wheatley School of Music.[1] She began acting at the Friendly Inn Settlement and married Lloyd Gentry in 1932.[1] Subsequently, she appeared in many plays at the African-American theater the Karamu House.

On Broadway, Gentry performed in All God's Chillun Got Wings (1975), The Sunshine Boys (1972), Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death (1971), and Lysistrata (1946).[2] She also appeared in several films, including School Daze, Def by Temptation, and Jungle Fever. She portrayed Aunt Bess on the television series All My Children and Miriam George on Ryan's Hope.[3] She also appeared on The Cosby Show.[1]

Gentry's great-grandson is actor Terrence Howard.[4]

On May 11, 1993, Gentry died at her home in Manhattan at age 77.[5]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1972Georgia, GeorgiaMrs. Alberta Anderson
1972Come Back, Charleston BlueHer Majesty
1973Black CaesarMomma Gibbs
1974ClaudineBus WomanUncredited
1977Greased LightningWendell's Mother
1984The Brother from Another PlanetMrs. Brown
1986AmericaMrs. Justice
1988Apprentice to MurderMam Isobel
1990Def by TemptationGrandma
1992Bad LieutenantElderly Woman

References
  1. Encyclopedia of Cleveland History:GENTRY, MINNIE LEE WATSON
  2. "Minnie Gentry". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  3. McCann, Bob. Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television. McFarland. pp. 126–127. ISBN 978-0-7864-5804-2. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  4. "Obituary: Anita Williams / Mother of actor, recruiter at Pitt". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 27 September 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  5. "Minnie Gentry, 77, An Actress on Stage And 'Cosby Show'". The New York Times. May 13, 1993. p. B 14. Retrieved October 20, 2020 – via ProQuest.


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