Linda Hopkins was an American actress and singer best known for her work in Broadway shows like “Purlie,” “Me and Bessie,” and “Black and Blue.” With a powerful voice, she made significant contributions to gospel, jazz, and blues music throughout her career.
Personal and Family Life
Linda was born on December 14, 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her birth name was Melinda Helen Matthews. She had a vibrant personality, known for her brash and sassy stage presence, which helped her shine in her performances.
Career Highlights
Linda received a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Inner City.” She was also awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her achievements in live theater. Starting in 1997, she toured Europe with jazz and blues singers, showcasing her talent in the revue “Wild Women Blues.”
Death and Legacy
Linda Hopkins passed away on April 10, 2017, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the age of 92. Her legacy lives on through her recordings and performances, which have left a lasting impact on the world of music and theater.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Honkytonk Man | 1982-12-15 | Blues Singer |
| Leprechaun 2 | 1994-04-08 | Housewife |
| Purlie | 1981-10-12 | Sister Hopkins |
| Broadway’s Lost Treasures III: The Best of The Tony Awards | 2005-08-07 | Singer (segment “Black and Blue”) |
| Go Tell It on the Mountain | 1985-01-14 | Sister McCandless |
| Piano Blues | 2003-10-04 | Self |
| Mitzi… Roarin’ in the 20s | 1976-03-14 | Self |
| The Education of Sonny Carson | 1974-07-17 | Lil Boy’s Mother |
| Black and Blue: A Musical Revue | 1993-02-17 | Singer |
| Rockin’ the Blues | 1956-10-11 | Self |
| Umbria Jazz Story | 1993-07-01 | Self |
| Cries in the Dark | 2006-09-15 | Mom |
| The Colored Museum | 1991-02-01 | Aunt Ethel |
| Tony Awards | 1956-04-01 | Self – Nominee |
| Great Performances | 1971-01-28 | Aunt Ethel |
| Roots: The Next Generations | 1979-02-18 | Singer |
| Champs-Elysées | 1982-01-16 | Self |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |