Theresa Merritt Hines (September 24, 1922 June 12, 1998), known professionally as Theresa Merritt, was an American actress. She is known for her role in That's My Mama (1974–1975) and for her film roles in The Wiz (1978) and Billy Madison (1995).
Career Born in Emporia, Virginia, Merritt appeared in many theatrical productions but gained fame later in life when she starred as Ma Rainey 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.
Merritt's other Broadway credits included Mule Bone (1991), Division Street (1980), Don't Play Us Cheap! (1972), The Crucible (1972), Trumpets of the Lord (1969), Golden Boy (1964), Tambourines to Glory (1963), and Carmen Jones (1943, 1945, 1947). She also toured with road companies of Funny Girl, Show Boat, and South Pacific.
Her most notable film roles were Aunt Em in the 1978 film version of The Wiz, Mrs. Crosby in the 1977 film adaptation of Neil Simon's The Goodbye Girl, and Juanita in the Adam Sandler comedy Billy Madison. She also appeared alongside Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton in the film adaptation of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
Personal life and death Merritt died of skin cancer on June 12, 1998, in the New York City borough of The Bronx.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1971 They Might Be Giants Peggy1977 Proof of the Man Maria The Goodbye Girl Mrs. Crosby 1978 The Wiz Aunt Em1979 The Great Santini Arrabella Smalls Alternative titles: The AceThe Gift of Fury All That Jazz Cast of NY / LA #4 1982 The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Jewel1988 Astonished Ida The Serpent and the Rainbow Simone 1989 Zwei Frauen Nurse Wilson Alternative title: Silence Like Glass 1991 Voodoo Dawn Madame Daslay Alternative title: Strange Turf 1995 Billy Madison Juanita1998 Dangerous Proposition Grace Home Fries Mrs. Vaughan Final film role released posthumously Television Year Title Role Notes 1969 J.T. Mama Meley Television movie 1973 The Furst Family of Washington Eloise "Mama" Furst Television movie 1974–1975 That's My Mama Eloise "Mama" Curtis 39 episodes 1975 Police Story Mrs. Johnson 1 episode 1980 NBC Special Treat 1 episode 1983 The Love Boat Faye Pillips 1 episode 1984 Concealed Enemies Clytie Catlett Television movie 1988 Miracle at Beekman's Place Sarag Coleman Television movie 1997 Law & Order Ruth Titus 1 episode 1997 Sesame Street Grandma Sarah 1 episode1998 NYPD Blue Bernice 1 episode Cosby Edna Stone 1 episode
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result Ref. 1985 Tony Award Best Featured Actress in a Play Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
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