Obie Winner Clarice Taylor Has Died

Taylor was a member of the Negro Ensemble Company and appeared in such plays as Konig’s Harvest, Daddy Goodness and Five on the Black Hand Side.

She played Addaperle in the original Broadway production of The Wiz and won an Obie in 1987 for Moms, about legendary comedian Moms Mabley.

She earned an Emmy Award nomination in 1986 for her recurring role as Dr. Cliff Huxtable’s mother, Anna Huxtable, on The Cosby Show and appeared regularly on Sesame Street as Harriet. She played the role of Idella in the 1981 television version of the musical Purlie opposite Robert Guillaume and Melba Moore.

Her film credits include Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon, Play Misty for Me, and Sommersby.

She is survived by her two sons, William and James, and her five grandchildren.