Biography
Sylvia Kuumba Williams was an American actress, also credited as Kuumba Williams. She was born on 28 October 1941 in New York City and died on 17 July 2001 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
She began her career in New Orleans theatre, joining the Free Southern Theatre in 1968 and later performing at the Repertory Theatre. The nickname Kuumba was given to her by June Havoc. In 1976 she became the first African-American actor to take a major role at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré, appearing in The Sunshine Boys. She originated the role of Big Bertha Williams in the Off-Broadway musical One Mo’ Time (1979–82), remaining with the production throughout its run and subsequent international tours.
Her film credits include Harriet in Sounder (1972) and its sequel Sounder, Part 2 (1976), an uncredited role in Live and Let Die (1973), Black Mother in Mandingo (1975), Judy in Obsession (1976), and the bartender in Fort Apache, the Bronx (1981). She also appeared in television films such as Freedom Road (1979).
