Lynn Whitfield, born Lynn Butler-Smith on February 8, 1953, is a distinguished American actress and producer. Embarking on her career in television and theater, she later transitioned to impactful supporting roles in film.
Her portrayal of Josephine Baker in the HBO biographical drama film The Josephine Baker Story (1991) earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Lynn Whitfield Wiki & Biography
Name
Lynn Whitfield
Nickname
Lynn
Date Of Birth
February 15, 1953
Age
71 Years
Birth Place
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Gender
Female
Profession
Actress
Debut
Hill Street Blues
Famous For
Not Known
Zodiac Sign
Aquarius
Nationality
American
Religion
Christianity
Lynn Whitfield’s Net Worth
Salary
Not Known
Net Worth
USD $3 Million Approx
Height, Weight, and Color
Height in cm
163 cm
Height in Meters
1.63 m
Height in Feet Inches
5 Feet 6 Inches
Weight
55 kg
121 lbs
Body Type
Slim
Body Measurement
31-28-32 Inches
Waist Size
28 Inches
Shoe Size
8 US
Eye Colour
Black
Hair Colour
Black
Lynn Whitfield Family and Relatives
Father
Valerian Smith
Mother
Jean Butler
Brothers
Valerian Butler-Smith
Sisters
Kimberlegh Butler-Smith, Shawne Langston
Boyfriends / Girlfriends
Not Known
Marital Status
Divorced
Partner
Brian Gibson (m. 1990-1992),
Vantile Whitfield (m. 1974-1978)
Sons
Not Known
Daughters
Grace Gibson
Lynn Whitfield Education School and Colleges
Education Qualification
Graduate
School
McKinley High School (Louisiana)
College & University
Howard University
Favourites Things Of Lynn Whitfield
Favorite Colour
Pink
Favorite Actor
Not Known
Favorite Actress
Not Known
Favorite Food
Sea Food
Favorite TV Shows
Not Known
Favorite Movie
Not Known
Favorite Pets
Not Known
Hobbies
Shopping and Traveling
Favorite Destination
Cape Town
Interesting Facts About Lynn Whitfield
In 2015, Whitfield secured a series regular role as the main villain in the Oprah Winfrey Network’s original scripted drama series Greenleaf, delving into the unscrupulous world of the Greenleaf family and their sprawling Memphis megachurch. Her portrayal of Lady Mae Greenleaf, the imperious minister’s wife, earned her accolades, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019.
Notable for her versatile talent, Whitfield co-starred alongside Sanaa Lathan in the romantic comedy film Nappily Ever After (2018), released on Netflix.
Lynn Whitfield’s breakthrough came in the title role of The Josephine Baker Story (1991), where she portrayed the American icon’s journey from a Folies Bergère star to a French Resistance fighter and civil rights activist. The role required her to age from 18 to 68, and she received critical acclaim, winning a Primetime Emmy Award.
Her commitment to powerful performances continued with recurring roles in TV series such as Boston Public, Without a Trace, and How to Get Away with Murder.
In the late ’90s, Whitfield had supporting roles in films like A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996), Gone Fishin’ (1997), and Stepmom (1998). She played significant roles in TV movies like A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story (1991) and The Cheetah Girls (2003).
Lynn Whitfield’s early years saw her contributions to theater, including the acclaimed play for colored girls who have considered suicide / When the rainbow is enuf.
She made her professional screen debut in 1981 in the NBC drama Hill Street Blues and later co-starred in films like Silverado and Jaws: The Revenge.
Lynn Whitfield, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Jean Butler and Valerian Smith, graduated from Howard University with a BFA. Her father, a dentist, played a pivotal role in nurturing her early interest in acting by contributing to Community Theater.
Lynn Whitfield has been married twice, first to Vantile Whitfield from 1974 to 1978, and then to director Brian Gibson from 1990 to 1992, with whom she shares a daughter named Grace.
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