Sandra Reaves-Phillips was an actress and singer for both stage and screen, and who appeared in such films as “Lean on Me” and “Round Midnight.”
- Died: December 29, 2023 (Who else died on December 29?)
- Details of death: Died in New York City at the age of 79.
- We invite you to share condolences for Sandra Reaves-Phillips in our Guest Book.
Sandra Reaves-Phillips’ legacy
Born in Mullins, South Carolina, Reaves-Phillips moved to New York City at age 15 with her mother and began performing in local clubs. Her powerful voice earned her a record contract, though nothing came of it. She added acting to her repertoire and in 1973 made her Broadway debut, playing Mama Younger in “Raisin.”
A thriving career on the stage followed. Reaves-Phillips appeared in shows like “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Blues in the Night,” and “Harmony,” among many others. She was a standout during the national tour of “One Mo’ Time,” and in 2010, earned a Joseph Jefferson award nomination for “Low Down Dirty Blues.” On stage, she also received a Drama League Award for the Broadway production of “Rollin’ on the T.O.B.A.” and two Helen Hayes Award nominations.
Reaves-Phillips also appeared on both big and small screens. She was in such television shows as “Law & Order” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and appeared in films like “The Happy Hooker” and “For Love or Money.” Her best-known role might be as Mrs. Powers in the film “Lean on Me,” where she played the teacher who introduced the titular song to student protagonists.
Tributes to Sandra Reaves-Phillips
Full obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
