Biography
Lonette Rita McKee is an American actress and singer. Born on 22 July 1954 in Detroit, Michigan, she made her feature film debut as Sister Williams in the 1976 musical drama Sparkle. She has appeared in films including The Cotton Club (1984), Jungle Fever (1991), Malcolm X (1992) as Louise Little, He Got Game (1998), Men of Honor (2000) and Honey (2003).
On stage, McKee was the first African American actress to play the role of Julie in a major production of the musical Show Boat, receiving a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in 1983. She has also appeared in The First (1981) and originated the role of Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. Her sister Kathy McKee is also an actress.
