Ethel Ayler was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Bodyguard, 9½ Weeks, and To Sleep with Anger. Born on May 1, 1930, in Whistler, Alabama, she made a significant impact in both theater and film.
Personal and Family Life
Born as Ethyl Spraggins Ayler, she pursued her education at Fisk University, focusing on voice and learning to sing in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, and German. After moving to Chicago, she began her career in singing but transitioned to acting after securing a role in the touring company of Porgy and Bess.
Career Highlights
Ayler was a dedicated member of the Negro Ensemble Company. In the 1960s, she starred in Jean Genet’s play The Blacks: A Clown Show, alongside notable figures like Maya Angelou and James Earl Jones, cementing her reputation in the theater community.
Death and Legacy
Ethel Ayler passed away on November 18, 2018, in Loma Linda, California. Her contributions to both stage and screen continue to be celebrated, leaving a lasting legacy in the performing arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| To Sleep with Anger | 1990-10-12 | Hattie |
| Eve’s Bayou | 1997-11-07 | Gran Mère |
| The Bodyguard | 1992-11-25 | Emma |
| Nine 1/2 Weeks | 1986-02-09 | Jewelry Saleswoman |
| Fire & Ice | 2001-01-22 | Lola Aimes |
| The First Breeze of Summer | 1976-01-28 | Hattie |
| Time of the Heathen | 1962-03-05 | Marie |
| Lord Shango | 1975-03-01 | Lady in bar (uncredited) |
| Stormy Weathers | 1992-05-04 | Clara Wilkes |
| The Wedding | 1998-02-22 | Eunice |
| Six Feet Under | 2001-06-03 | Ellen |
| Friends | 1994-09-22 | Hospital Administrator |
| The Cosby Show | 1984-09-20 | |
| Melrose Place | 1992-07-08 | Mrs. Bowen |
| Out of Practice | 2005-09-19 | |
| Martin | 1992-08-27 | |
| Family Ties | 1982-09-22 | Ms. Daniels |
| Girlfriends | 2000-09-11 | |
| Jake and the Fatman | 1987-09-26 | |
| Brooklyn South | 1997-09-22 | Mabel Oakley |
| The Andros Targets | 1977-01-31 | Beatrice Long |
| 7th Heaven | 1996-08-26 | Mrs. Macaferty |
| Great Performances | 1971-01-28 | Hattie |