Celebrity Info
Clarice Taylor, born in Virginia and raised in New York City, is a respected African-American actress with a career spanning several decades. Clarice Taylor helped lay the foundation for Black theater in America when, during the late 1960s, she became one of the founding members of the Negro Ensemble Company—a Manhattan-based theater group that would go on to nurture many notable Black performers. Over the years, Clarice Taylor built an impressive body of work on stage, including her memorable portrayal of Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North, in the original Broadway production of “The Wiz.”
Her talent also extended to film, where she appeared in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 directorial debut, “Play Misty for Me,” and delivered a standout performance in the 1973 comedy “Five on the Black Hand Side”—a role she originally played in the stage version of the same name. Though Clarice Taylor made occasional appearances in movies and TV shows over the following years, including guest spots on popular series like “Sanford and Son” and “Spencer: For Hire,” it was her television roles as a grandmotherly figure that truly cemented her legacy.
Many viewers came to know and love Clarice Taylor through her warm and dignified presence on screen, particularly as Harriet, the grandmother on “Sesame Street.” But perhaps her most iconic role was as Anna Huxtable, the wise and loving mother of Cliff Huxtable—played by Bill Cosby—on the groundbreaking sitcom “The Cosby Show.” Through these roles, Clarice Taylor brought depth, grace, and authenticity to the characters she portrayed, leaving a lasting impression on audiences across generations. Clarice Taylor remains a cherished figure in American entertainment history.
When it comes to Clarice Taylor’s filmography, one standout performance that really shines is in Smoke (1995), which happens to be her highest rated movie. Over the course of her career, Clarice Taylor brought depth and authenticity to every role she played, but it’s Smoke that audiences and critics alike have celebrated the most. On the other end of the spectrum, Clarice Taylor also appeared in Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon (1970), a film that, while notable, ended up being her lowest rated. Still, even in less acclaimed projects, Clarice Taylor’s talent was undeniable. Whether in her most praised work like Smoke or earlier roles such as in Junie Moon, Clarice Taylor consistently left a mark on the screen.
United States
