Sandra Reaves-Phillips

Sandra Reaves-Phillips (born December 23, 1944) is an American actress, writer, and singer. She made her Broadway debut in 1973 as Mama Younger in the musical Raisin. Reaves-Phillips has appeared in numerous stage productions, including Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Black and Blue, Blues in the Night, and The Late Great Ladies of Blues and Jazz. She received nominations for the Joseph Jefferson award, Helen Hayes Award, and won a Drama League Award for her performance in Rollin' on the T.O.B.A. on Broadway. Reaves-Phillips has also appeared in movies such as The Happy Hooker, Round Midnight, Lean on Me, and For Love or Money. Her television credits include Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order.