Foster, Frances (1924–1997)

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Foster, Frances (1924–1997)

African-American actress, director, and theater founder. Born Frances Brown, June 11, 1924, in Yonkers, NY; died June 17, 1997, in Fairfax, Virginia.

Made NY debut in Wisteria Trees (1955), followed by Broadway appearances in Raisin in the Sun, The River Niger, First Breeze of Summer, Tap Dance Kid and Fences and off-Broadway appearances in Take a Giant Step and Boesman and Lena, among others; was a founding member and appeared in over 25 productions of Negro Ensemble Company (1967–86); films include Clockers; on tv, appeared as Vera on "The Guiding Light" (1985–92, 1993–94).

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