Virginia Capers

Eliza "Virginia" Capers (September 22, 1925 – May 6, 2004) was an American actress known for her work in both theater and television. She gained recognition for her portrayal of Lena Younger in the musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun, earning her the Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical in 1974. Capers made her Broadway debut in 1957 in the musical Jamaica and went on to appear in Saratoga and Raisin. She also had a notable presence on television, including a recurring role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as Hattie Banks, as well as appearances on various shows like Mannix, The Waltons, and Murder, She Wrote. Capers also appeared in films such as Norwood (1970) and The Great White Hope (1970).