The Legacy of Black Actresses Final Film Roles

The entertainment industry has seen several instances where performers completed work on projects shortly before their deaths. These final performances, often released posthumously, become part of their lasting legacy. This summary details such instances involving Black actresses, based on available public reporting.

Main News

Cicely Tyson filmed her role for the movie “A Fall from Grace” shortly before her passing. The Tyler Perry-directed film was released on Netflix in January 2020. Tyson died in January 2021 at the age of 96.

The film also featured actress Donna Biscoe. Biscoe passed away in July 2023 after an illness. Her role in “A Fall from Grace” was among her final on-screen appearances.

Actress Carol Sutton had a prolific career primarily in New Orleans theater. Her final film role was in the 2020 Netflix production “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Sutton died in December 2020 from complications related to COVID-19.

Chadwick Boseman, the actor who starred in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” also filmed this project while privately battling cancer. His performance was released posthumously after his death in August 2020.

Summary

Cicely Tyson’s final film role was in Tyler Perry’s “A Fall from Grace.” The legal thriller was released in early 2020. Tyson passed away one year later in January 2021.

Her co-star in the film, Donna Biscoe, also had her role in the project become one of her last. Biscoe died in July 2023. The film features their final performances.

Another notable final performance was by Carol Sutton in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” The veteran stage and screen actress passed away in December 2020. Her death was due to COVID-19 complications.

The star of that same film, Chadwick Boseman, also completed his work shortly before his death. The film serves as the final screen appearance for both Sutton and Boseman.

FAQs

What was Cicely Tyson’s last movie?
Cicely Tyson’s final film role was in “A Fall from Grace,” directed by Tyler Perry. The movie was released on Netflix in January 2020.

Who else from ‘A Fall from Grace’ passed away?
Actress Donna Biscoe, who also appeared in “A Fall from Grace,” died in July 2023. Her role in the film is considered one of her final screen appearances.

What was Carol Sutton’s last role?
Carol Sutton’s final film role was in the 2020 Netflix adaptation of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” She passed away in December 2020.