Biography

Minnie Gentry was born on December 2, 1915 in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. She was an actress, known for Bad Lieutenant (1992), Black Caesar (1973) and Come Back Charleston Blue (1972). She was married to Lloyd Gentry. She died on May 6, 1993 in New York, USA.

Great-grandmother of actor Terrence Howard. He credits her with his becoming an actor. Watching her perform several different characters is what made him realize acting was his passion. She was his first acting coach, and while working he would often play the role of the other characters his great-grandmother was working on at the time.

Began her acting career with the Karamu Theater, a distinguished African-American theater in Cleveland, OH, USA, where she grew up. She returned to act with Karamu intermittently over 60 years, the last time in 1990.

Survived by her daughter, Marjorie Hawkins, three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Parents are: Mincie, and Taylor Watson.