Madge Sinclair was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Lion King, Roots, and Coming to America. Born in Jamaica, she had a prolific career in film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Madge Dorita Walters was born on April 28, 1938, in Kingston, Jamaica. At a young age, she got married and had two sons. Madge worked as a teacher until she was 30, when she moved to New York City in 1968 to pursue her dream of acting, leaving her children with their father.
Career
After moving to New York, Madge began modeling and performing with the New York Shakespearean Festival. Her breakthrough came with the 1974 film Conrack, and she received an Emmy nomination for her performance in Roots in 1977. Despite being diagnosed with leukemia in 1982, Madge continued to act for over a decade, outliving doctors’ expectations.
Death and Legacy
Madge Sinclair passed away on December 20, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, after a lengthy battle with leukemia. She is remembered for her significant contributions to film and television, particularly her roles in Star Trek and The Lion King. Her passing left a legacy as one of the first prominent Black actress in Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Lion King | 1994-06-24 | Sarabi (voice) |
| Convoy | 1978-06-27 | Widow Woman |
| Leadbelly | 1976-05-28 | Miss Eula |
| High Ice | 1980-01-07 | Dr. Pittman |
| One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story | 1978-09-26 | Georgia LeFlore |
| I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings | 1979-04-28 | Miss Flowers |
| Conrack | 1974-03-27 | Mrs. Scott |
| The Witches of Salem: The Horror and the Hope | 1972-01-01 | Tituba |
| Coming to America | 1988-06-29 | Queen Aoleon |
| Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home | 1986-11-26 | Saratoga Captain (uncredited) |
| Roots | 1977-01-23 | Bell Reynolds |