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Theresa Merritt (September 24, 1922 – June 12, 1998) was an actress and singer who played Aunt Em in the 1978 movie version of The Wiz.

Biography[]

Born in Emporia, Virginia Merritt's journey to stardom was one of perseverance and dedication. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she carved out a remarkable career that not only showcased her acting prowess but also left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

From a young age, Theresa Merritt displayed a natural affinity for the performing arts. Her passion for acting led her to pursue formal training at the famed Julliard School in New York City. Equipped with a solid foundation in acting, Merritt made her Broadway debut in the 1960s, and her raw talent quickly garnered critical acclaim. Her magnetic stage presence and ability to immerse herself in diverse roles earned her several prestigious awards and nominations throughout her career.

Merritt's transition to the silver screen was a testament to her versatility as an actress. She made her film debut in the 1973 movie "Lost in the Stars," and from there, she went on to portray memorable characters in a range of genres. Whether she was portraying strong-willed matriarchs or bringing to life complex and multi-dimensional personalities, Merritt's performances were consistently praised for their depth and authenticity.

She appeared in many theatrical productions but gained fame later in life when she starred in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, for which she earned a Tony Award nomination and The Wiz , in which she replaced Mabel King as Evillene . She left The Wiz, citing the role's harmful effect on her voice. She then starred in the television sitcom That's My Mama.

During the 34th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Merritt and E. Fannie Granton of Jet magazine were made honorary members of the sorority in 1977. Throughout her career, she actively supported various charitable causes and used her platform to advocate for social justice and equal rights. Her involvement in community initiatives and her dedication to promoting positive change demonstrated her commitment to making the world a better place beyond the realm of entertainment.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Theresa Merritt was also a trailblazer for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. As an African-American woman, she faced the challenges of a predominantly white industry during the early years of her career. However, she never allowed prejudice or discrimination to deter her from pursuing her dreams. Merritt's resilience and unwavering commitment to her craft inspired countless aspiring actors from underrepresented backgrounds and helped pave the way for more diverse stories to be told on stage and screen.

Merritt was married to Benjamin Hines and they had four children. Merritt died of skin cancer on June 12, 1998, in The Bronx.

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