Lonette McKee

Lonette Rita McKee (born July 22, 1954) is an American actress and singer. She made her big screen debut starring as Sister Williams in the original 1976 musical-drama film ''Sparkle''. McKee later appeared in films ''Which Way Is Up?'' (1977), ''The Cotton Club'' (1984), ''Brewster's Millions'' (1985), ''Round Midnight'' (1986), ''Gardens of Stone'' (1987), ''Jungle Fever'' (1991), ''Malcolm X'' (1992), ''Men of Honor'' (2000), ''Honey'' (2003) and ''ATL'' (2006).

McKee became the first African American to play the coveted role of Julie and received critical acclaim for her performance in Broadway musical ''Show Boat'' in 1983, for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She also starred in ''The First'' and played Billie Holiday in ''Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill''. McKee also received three Drama Desk and three NAACP Image Awards nominations during her career. Provided by Wikipedia