Beah Richards left her native Vicksburg, Mississippi, behind in 1950, embarking on a journey to New York City, where she would eventually make a significant impact on the stage. Her breakthrough role came in 1955, when she appeared in the off-Broadway show "Take a Giant Step," impressing audiences with her convincing portrayal of an 84-year-old grandmother, all without the aid of theatrical makeup.
Four years later, in 1962, she took on the role of Esther in James Baldwin's "The Amen Corner," directed by the renowned Frank Silvera. Silvera, who was not only an actor and director but also an activist, offered Richards some sage advice, telling her "Don't act, just be." This guidance had a profound impact on Richards, helping her to develop the subtlety and quiet dignity that would become a hallmark of her performances.
Throughout her illustrious career, Beah Richards was a prolific actress, poet, and playwright. Her first authored play, "All's Well That Ends," tackled the issues of racial segregation, a topic that was all too relevant during that era. Richards was always ahead of her time, and she proudly identified as "Black," a term that was not commonly used to describe Black Americans at the time. Her immense talent and sense of pride as a Black woman led her to take on the role of the peacemaking mother in the 1967 film "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," for which she received an Oscar nomination.
In addition to her work in film, Richards also appeared in numerous stage productions, including "Purlie Victorious" by Ossie Davis and "The Little Foxes" by Lillian Hellman. Her impressive range and versatility as an actress earned her a wide range of roles, and she continued to captivate audiences throughout her career.
In 1988, Richards won an Emmy Award for her performance in the television series "Frank's Place," and although she was stricken with emphysema, she delivered a powerful performance on the ABC legal drama "The Practice" in 2000. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, and she received her second Emmy Award just three days before her passing in her native Vicksburg, Mississippi.
