Mary Alice passed away ate the age of 85 years old but remains a huge staple for the culture. Alice starred as dorm director Lettie on the first two seasons of ’80s sitcom A Different World. During Her first appearance on the show, Lisa Bonet greeted her. Alice’s character played a former Hillman college student, returning to finish her studies while counseling Lisa Bonet.
The Tony Award winning star typically spent days in Broadway. She said, transitioning from Broadway to television sitcom could’ve been difficult. But because of the cast and crew from A Different World the transition was fun and easy.
Mary Alice to the younger audiences is well known in the Matrix trilogy. She took over the part of the Oracle in The Matrix Revolutions after the death of original actor Gloria Foster in 2001.
A veteran of the stage, Alice originated the role of Rose in August Wilson’s Fences, scoring the Tony for Best Featured Actress for the show’s Broadway debut in 1987.
The Celebrities friends sent condolences.
Viola Davis wrote, RIP Mary Alice…the original Rose Maxson. You were one of the greatest actresses of all time!! Thank you for the work, inspiration and thank you for Rose. Godspeed Queen.
Jennifer Lewis also shared her respect. So much love and laughter with Mary Alice in our NY days. An amazing role model and certainly one of our absolute best. Hello my Epathaaaaaa.
Loni Love also shared her respects. Class, talent and grace.. weather a comical or dramatic role.. Mary Alice would deliver… thank you Ms. Alice now Rest in Power.
