MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Mary Alice die? Veteran actress, 85, won Tony Award for her performance in August Wilson's 'Fences'

Mary Alice made her film debut in 1974 with 'The Education of Sonny Carson' and has been a part of a number of popular TV shows

Veteran American actress Mary Alice who played remarkable roles in 'A Different World' and 'I'll Fly Away' died at 85 in New York City. However, her birth year was given as both 1936 and 1941 in various sources. According to the New York Police Department, Alice died on Wednesday, July 27, at her New York City home. The cause of death is still unknown.

Mary Alice Smith, professionally known as Mary Alice, was an American theatre, film, and television actor. Alice was best known for her appearances in the NBC sitcom 'A Different World' (1987-1989) as Leticia 'Lettie' Bostic and the 1976 musical drama 'Sparkle' as Effie Williams. Alice also appeared on stage and won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in August Wilson's Fences in 1987.

READ MORE

How did David Warner die? Actor, 80, had appeared in 'Titanic' and 'The Omen'

How did LQ Jones die? Veteran star, 94, took his stage name from his role in ‘Battle Cry’

The Tony Awards shared a video of the actress delivering a speech after receiving an award on Twitter and wrote, "Rest well to Tony Winner Mary Alice, who passed away. Mary won for her incredible performance in Fences (1987)."

Colman Domingo wrote on his Twitter, "A shoulder we all stood on. A round of applause for Mary Alice. Thank you legend. Rest Easy." Award-winning celebrity host Loni Love wrote, "Class, talent, and grace.. weather a comical or dramatic role.. Mary Alice would deliver… thank you Ms. Alice now Rest in Power." Aisha Harris wrote, "Mary Alice was *that actress.* Anytime she appeared on screen, you knew you were going to get something special. Legendary filmmaker Charles Burnett wrote," As all can imagine, this cuts deep. She helped make #ToSleepWithAnger what it became with her artistry, which is why it wasn't a surprise that she received a @filmindependent #SpiritAwards best female lead nomination. My condolences to her loved ones." Viola Davis wrote, "RIP Mary Alice…the original Rose Maxson. You were one of the greatest actresses of all time!! Thank you for the work, inspiration and thank you for Rose. Godspeed Queen." S Epatha Merkerson wrote, "Mary Alice" with two broken heart emojis and shared her pictures with Mary Alice. 

Numerous fans and followers including media personalities shared their grief on social media. Philip Lewis wrote, "Mary Alice, known for her roles as “Lettie” on A Different World and Effie Williams in Sparkle, has died, one of her close friends tells me. “We are all very sad at the loss.” 

Who is Mary Alice?

Mary Alice was born in Indianola, Mississippi. She began performing in her community at an early age but briefly left the business to become an elementary school teacher in Chicago. In the 1960s, she exchanged textbooks for screenplays and returned to community theatre. Mary Alice went on to work in Manhattan's East Village in the early 1960s and 1970s, New York Post reports.

Alice made her film debut in 1974 with 'The Education of Sonny Carson' and she has been in TV shows such as 'Police Woman' and 'Sanford and Son'. Alice is most recognized for playing Effie Williams in the 1976 musical drama 'Sparkle', as well as the Oracle in Lilly and Lana Wachowski's 2003 franchise picture 'The Matrix Revolutions'.