When Lynn Whitfield was just five years old, she found herself captivated by the magic of cinema. It all started when her grandmother took her to the movies, where she became mesmerized by the faces on the big screen. "I didn’t notice that Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn weren’t brown," Lynn tells Closer. "And I didn’t really notice that Ruby Dee, Lena Horne, and Diahann Carroll were brown." For her, acting wasn't about color or ethnicity; it was about seeing something she believed she could do exceptionally well. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Lynn's journey into the world of acting began on stage in her early twenties with the groundbreaking 1977 Los Angeles production of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf.
It was television, however, where Lynn's star truly began to shine. Her performances in The Women of Brewster Place and as the lead in HBO’s 1991 telefilm The Josephine Baker Story earned her widespread acclaim, culminating in an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. Now, at 71, Lynn continues to captivate audiences with her portrayal of powerful matriarchs, such as Lady Mae in OWN's Greenleaf and Alicia in Showtime’s The Chi. Recently, she graced the big screen in the adventure film Albany Road, which premiered in theaters on November 15.
Exploring New Depths in 'Albany Road'
What was it like stepping into your role in Albany Road?
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“In Albany Road, I stepped out of my comfort zone to portray a character that’s refreshingly different from the roles I usually play. My character is a simple, straightforward woman with no glamour and hardly any makeup, which was a departure from the characters I’m typically cast as. The movie delves into intricate family relationships, and I took on the role shortly after the passing of my only brother. This experience gave me a new perspective on life, mortality, and the complexities of family love. It was a unique opportunity to channel all these emotions into a very vital performance.”
Reimagining Roles in 'The Chi'
How does your role in Showtime’s The Chi resonate with you?
“The Chi is a show with a predominantly young cast and an urban vibe. Being able to join the cast and bring something fresh to the table is incredibly rewarding. I often draw inspiration from the women in my family for my characters, like my Aunt Elaine, who inspired my role in Eve’s Bayou. But with Alicia, I had to explore a whole new psyche. None of the women in my family were gangsters—thankfully! This role allowed me to delve into a character with a different background and mindset, which was both challenging and exhilarating.”
A Family's Influence on Her Acting Journey
Did your family support your dreams of becoming an actress?
“Growing up, my mom was the epitome of glamour, elegance, and adventure. She always dreamed of becoming a pilot and finally took her first flight lesson when she turned 90. Much of my portrayal of Josephine Baker was inspired by her. My dad, a dentist, was also a talented musician who worked with local theater and the Baton Rouge Community Chorus. So, I was surrounded by a vibrant, Tennessee Williams-esque family that exposed me to the arts. However, they weren’t exactly supportive of my acting aspirations. They were professionals, mostly in medicine, and had very narrow views on careers and expectations. Despite their initial skepticism, it was a proud moment when my parents attended the Emmys with me after I won.”
Winning the Emmy must have felt like a validation of your career.
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“Absolutely! Winning the Emmy was a monumental moment, not just for me but for my entire family. My Emmy has become a cherished companion at home. She doesn’t have a sister or a husband named Oscar, but she deserves a proposal, Hollywood! Time waits for no one, so I hope the industry will take a chance on me again soon.”
The Breakthrough Role: 'Josephine Baker Story'
What do you consider your big break in your career?
“Without a doubt, it was The Josephine Baker Story. It placed me in a category where people came to rely on me to carry a project. Filming in Budapest, Hungary, was a dream come true. After 18-hour workdays, I would pinch myself, realizing I was shooting in beautiful opera houses and being part of storytelling in the grand Hollywood tradition. The attention to detail in costumes, sets, and lighting made each day feel like I was living the life of a real movie star. It was the second time I felt this way, after working on Silverado in New Mexico with Kevin Kline and Kevin Costner. Both experiences allowed me to live out the Hollywood dream I had envisioned as a child. With Josephine, I was at the center of it all—a first for me—and it was a rare film that was both woman-centric and African American-centric.”
Finding Success in Theater
How did your early success in theater shape your career?
“My early success with For Colored Girls introduced me to my tribe and fulfilled what I felt I was meant to do. Touring internationally, including stops in Australia and the West End, was an incredible experience. My career has had its ups and downs, but reflecting on it now, I see how connected and successful it has been. Gratitude fills my heart as I realize there’s more than one way to
