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Lynne ThigpenAmerican stage, film and TV actress
Date of Birth: 22.12.1948
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Lynn Thigpen
Lynn Thigpen, born Cherlynne Theresa 'Lynne' Thigpen in 1948 in Joliet, Illinois, USA, was an American theater, film, and TV actress. She began her acting career while studying at the University of Illinois, where she participated in student productions. Realizing that she was more drawn to acting than teaching, Thigpen moved to New York. In the early 1970s, she landed her first roles in musicals such as 'Godspell', 'The Night that Made America Famous', 'The Magic Show', 'An American Daughter', and others. Thigpen received the prestigious Tony Award for her role in 'An American Daughter'. She also reprised her role from 'Godspell' in the 1973 film adaptation.
Transition to Film and Television
In the late 1970s, Thigpen appeared in Walter Hill's 'The Warriors' and the television musical 'When Hell Freezes Over, I'll Skate'. She gradually shifted her focus towards the screen, while still continuing to perform on stage. In 1982, Thigpen landed a role in Sidney Pollack's acclaimed film 'Tootsie', and a few years later, she worked with Walter Hill again in the action film 'Streets of Fire' about clashes with a ruthless biker gang. During this time, Thigpen also appeared in various television series, including 'All My Children', 'Loving', 'Hunter', 'The Cosby Show', 'Spenser: For Hire', and many others. She became notable to audiences for her role as Flora Baxter in 'All My Children', and she portrayed a character in 'The District' until her death in 2003. Thigpen also gained popularity as a cast member of the children's program 'Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?' and voiced the character Luna in 'Bear in the Big Blue House'.
Later Career and Legacy
In the 1990s, Thigpen had the opportunity to work with Tim Robbins in his film 'Bob Roberts', with Michael Keaton in Ron Howard's dramedy 'The Paper', and with Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas in Sidney Pollack's 'Random Hearts'. For her role in the theater production 'Boesman and Lena', Thigpen became an Obie Award winner. She achieved the same success in 1999, receiving another award for her performance in 'Jar the Floor'. In 1999, Thigpen also appeared in Michael Mann's thriller 'The Insider', alongside Al Pacino and Russell Crowe, as well as in Chris Columbus' comedy 'Bicentennial Man' with Robin Williams in the lead role.
In addition to her work in film and on stage, Thigpen also had a presence on the radio as a cast member of 'A Prairie Home Companion'. Throughout her career, she had approximately 65 roles in film and TV and played around ten stage characters. Tragically, Thigpen was found dead in her home in Marina Del Rey, California on May 12, 2003, at the age of 54. Her cause of death was a brain hemorrhage. Shortly before her passing, Thigpen had complained of feeling unwell and suffering from headaches. After her death, friends and relatives established 'The Lynne Thigpen - Bobo Lewis Foundation', aimed at helping young actors break into the industry. Thigpen was posthumously nominated for an Emmy for her participation in the project 'Bear in the Big Blue House'. Her final film, 'Anger Management', with Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler, was dedicated to her memory.
