Mary Alice dead: Matrix and A Different World actress dies at her NYC home after legendary Emmy & Tony winning career
MARY Alice, star of The Matrix Revolutions and A Different World has died.
She passed away in New York City following a long and award-winning career.
Mary had won an Emmy for her performance in early 90s drama series I’ll Fly Away and a Tony for her role as Rose Maxon in 1987’s Broadway production of August Wilson’s Fences.
However, she was perhaps best known for her appearances as Leticia “Lettie” Bostic on NBC’s Cosby Show spin-off A Different World.
In 2003, she featured as an oracle in The Matrix sequel Revolutions, appearing in a scene with Keanu Reeves.
Mary’s exact age was unkown and has been reported as 80, 84, and 86.
The actress’ death was confirmed to Deadline by New York Police Department.
No details about the circumstances of her death are currently known.
Following the news of her passing, many of Mary’s peers and admirers took to Twitter to share their tributes.
Actor Colman Domingo described the late star as as “a shoulder we all stood on”.
Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis wrote: “You were one of the greatest actresses of all time!! Thank you for the work, and inspiration, and thank you for Rose. Godspeed Queen.”
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“Class, talent and grace.. whether a comical or dramatic role… Mary Alice would deliver… thank you Ms. Alice now Rest in Power,” shared Emmy and NAACP Image Award-winning comedian Loni Love.
The West Wing star Bradley Whitford described Mary as an “exquisite actress, beautiful, kind soul.”
FROM SCHOOLTEACHER TO STAR
Born in Indianola, Mississipi, Mary had unusual career path.
After moving to Chicago in the mid 60s, she first worked as a teacher before she turned her attentions to acting.
She made her Broadway debut in 1969’s No Place To Be Somebody and would continue to work as a theater actress across the decades alongside her TV and film career.
In 1987 she achieved a Broadway milestone when she was awarded a Tony for her role in Fences.
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