Lynne Thigpen Biography

Fast Facts

• On-stage performances brought a L․A․ Drama Critics Award, two off-Broadway Obies and a Tony Award
• The Lynne Thigpen-Bobo Lewis Foundation was created posthumously in her honor to mentor, educate and create opportunities for the next generation of Broadway stars
• In her hometown of Joliet, Ill․, The Lynne Thigpen Elementary School was named after her
• Earned a degree in teaching from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana
• Death caused by cerebral hemorrhage at home after complaining of severe headaches in days prior
• While teaching high-school English, pursued an interest in theatre by performing in community productions before moving to NYC in 1971 and landing a role on the off-Broadway hit, "Godspell," which later became her film debut
• Known for portraying dignified, insightful and confident characters on stage and in TV and film, with works like "Godspell," "The District" and the "Carmen Sandiego" series