She’s best known for her iconic role as Susan Robinson on the beloved PBS children’s show Sesame Street, a character that made her a household name across generations. While she did make appearances on other programs—like the NBC variety series The Flip Wilson Show—it was really her work on Sesame Street that defined her career and left a lasting impact. Before she became a familiar face on television, she was building a strong foundation in education, working as a substitute teacher in New York City. During that time, she also achieved an impressive academic milestone by earning a doctorate in Urban Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Born and raised in the small town of Paw Paw, Michigan, she brought a grounded, authentic presence to her roles. Her journey—from a dedicated educator to a pioneering African-American actress on one of the most influential children’s shows in history—shows just how much passion and perseverance can shape a legacy. And throughout it all, she remained a respected figure, admired not just for her performance as Susan, but for the depth and integrity she brought both on and off the screen.