X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Virginia Capers Biography

Birth Name:Eliza Virginia Capers

Birth Place:Sumter, South Carolina, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

  • Received the National Black Theatre Festival Living Legend Award
  • Honored with the NAACP Award for her contribution to theatre
  • Studied at Howard University and the Juilliard School
  • Made her first appearance on Broadway in 1957 as an understudy for Adelaide Hall in a production of "Jamaica․"
  • Performed in New York's Yiddish theater after graduating from Juilliard
  • Best known for her roles in the films 'Lady Sings the Blues" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off․"
  • Helped establish the Lafayette Players, a repertory theatre comprised of black actors

Awards

  • 1971Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated