- Born
- Died
- Birth nameTheresa Irene Merritt
- Theresa Merritt was born on September 24, 1922 in Newport News, Virginia, USA. She was an actress, known for Billy Madison (1995), The Wiz (1978) and The Goodbye Girl (1977). She was married to Benjamin Hines. She died on June 12, 1998 in The Bronx, New York, USA.
- SpouseBenjamin Hines(1945 - June 12, 1998) (her death, 4 children)
- Producers of the movie Ghost originally wanted her for the part of Oda Mae Brown but Patrick Swayze insisted they cast Whoopi Goldberg instead.
- Once a backup singer for Harry Belafonte.
- At 21, was picked by Billy Rose for the part of Frascetta in his 1943 Broadway production of "Carmen Jones".
- Member of the Helen Way Singers in the 1950s, did session singing, most notably "Early In The Morning" for Buddy Holly in 1958.
- Nominated for Broadway's 1985 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role
- Play) for August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom".
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
