Lynn Whitfield, born Lynn Smith on February 15, 1953, is a renowned American actress who has made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. Her illustrious career spans across television, theatre, and film, with a trajectory that has seen her progress from supporting roles to leading lady.
Whitfield's impressive repertoire includes a plethora of award-winning performances, with a notable mention being her portrayal of Josephine Baker in the HBO movie The Josephine Baker Story (1991),which earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special and a NAACP Image Award.
Her extensive filmography boasts a wide range of critically acclaimed films, including A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996),Eve's Bayou (1997),Stepmom (1998),Head of State (2003),The Cheetah Girls (2003),The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006),Madea's Family Reunion (2006),The Women (2008),Nappily Ever After (2018),and Vacation Friends (2021).
Notably, Whitfield's television work has also garnered significant recognition, particularly her starring role as Lady Mae Greenleaf on OWN's dramatic series Greenleaf, which aired from 2016 to 2020. Her performance earned her widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including two NAACP Image Awards and a Gracie Award. Throughout her illustrious career, Whitfield has accumulated a total of seven NAACP Image Awards, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
