Maria Howell

Birth Name:

Wanda Maria Howell

Birth Place:

Gastonia, North Carolina, United States

Profession

Actress

Won the 2010 Black Women Film Network Performance Award
Graduated from Winston-Salem State University in 1983 with a degree in biology and chemistry
Quote: "I'm a firm believer that if you keep it on your mind and there's passion in your heart, anything is possible․"
After more than two decades of guest roles, she earned her first recurring role in 2012 with NBC's "Revolution" and later Lifetime's "Devious Maids"
Initially promoted herself as a musician and jazz singer before she landed actual acting roles and made her debut as a singer in 1985's "The Color Purple"
Performed weekly at Atlanta's Sambuca Jazz Cafe for nine years before relocating to Los Angeles shortly after the cafe closed in 2010
As a singer, she has shared the stage with greats such as Ray Charles, George Benson and Nancy Wilson, among others

Fast Facts