Tony and Emmy-winning actress Mary Alice has died. She was 85. She died Wednesday (July 26) in her Manhattan apartment, a NYPD spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.
Alice was known for showcasing her work on the stage and the screen. She won a Tony in 1987 for her performance as Rose Maxson in the original Broadway production of August Wilson’s Fences. Viola Davis, who would later reprise the role in 2010 for Broadway and again in the 2016 film adaptation, wrote a touching tribute to Alice on Twitter. “RIP Mary Alice…the original Rose Maxson,” Davis wrote. “You were one of the greatest actresses of all time!! Thank you for the work, inspiration and thank you for Rose. Godspeed Queen.”
The former Chicago school teacher received Emmy nominations in 1992 and ’93 — winning in the second year — for her portrayal of Marguerite Peck on the NBC legal drama I’ll Fly Away.
Outside of those roles, Alice’s television credits include Police Woman, Cosby, A Different World, Sanford & Son and many more. The actress’s film credits include the 1976 version of Sparkle, The Matrix Revolutions, Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, and many more.
Take a look at how fans are remembering Mary Alice below:
