Judyann Elder

Judyann Elder is an American actress, director, and writer who began with the Negro Ensemble Company, a Tony Award-winning troupe where she was a founding member and resident actor. Born Judith Ann Johnson in Cleveland in 1948, she originated roles in premieres of works such as The Song of the Lusitanian Bogey, as well as Daddy Goodness and Kongi's Harvest. After moving to Los Angeles, she broadened her career to screen roles, with guest appearances on series including The Streets of San Francisco and also Sanford and Son. In 1976 she made her Broadway debut as Coretta King in I Have a Dream. Her television work includes A Woman Called Moses (1978), Murphy Brown as Dr. Barton, Martin as Nadine Waters, and Family Matters as Harriette Winslow. Her films include The Players Club (1998) and Seven Pounds (2008). She has also directed, including The Whipping Man for LA Theatre Works in 2016.