From the moment she was five years old, Lynn Whitfield found herself captivated by the magic of cinema. Her grandmother would take her to the movies, where she'd sit spellbound by the faces on the 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.” Acting, she adds, felt like something she could do exceptionally well. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Lynn's journey began in earnest when she landed her first major role on stage in her early twenties. In 1977, she starred in the Los Angeles production of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf. But it was on television where her star truly began to shine, particularly in The Women of Brewster Place and her Emmy-winning performance as Josephine Baker in HBO's 1991 telefilm The Josephine Baker Story. Today, at 71, Lynn continues to captivate audiences as Lady Mae in OWN's Greenleaf and Alicia in Showtime's The Chi. She also stars in the big-screen adventure Albany Road, which premiered in theaters on November 15.
About Her Role in Albany Road
Tell us about your role in Albany Road.
In Albany Road, Lynn plays a character quite different from the roles she usually takes on. “I’m playing against type,” she explains. “This character is simple, straightforward, and more down-to-earth. There’s no glamour, hardly any makeup—it’s a departure from the roles I’m often offered. The movie delves deep into intricate family relationships. I took on this role shortly after my only brother passed away. It gave me a fresh perspective on life, mortality, family love, and complexity. This film allowed me to use all of those emotions in a very vital way.”
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Her Role in Showtime's The Chi
You’re also on Showtime's The Chi. What does that role mean to you?
The Chi holds a special place in Lynn's heart. “It’s a show with a predominantly young cast and an urban vibe,” she says. “Being able to integrate into the existing cast and bring something new to the show was a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve often based my characters on women in my family, like my Aunt Elaine, who inspired my role in Eve’s Bayou. But with Alicia, none of the women in my family were gangsters. I mean, I don’t think they ever shot anyone! This show gives me the chance to explore a completely different psyche.”
Family Support and Acting Dreams
Was your family supportive of your acting dreams?
“My mom has always been glamorous, elegant, and adventurous. She even took her first flight lesson at the age of 90! So much of my portrayal of Josephine Baker was inspired by her. My dad was a dentist who also wrote beautiful music and worked with the local theater and Baton Rouge Community Chorus. I was surrounded by the arts from a young age, thanks to my colorful, Tennessee Williams-esque family. But were they supportive? Not really. They were professionals, mostly in medicine, with very rigid ideas about careers and expectations. They didn’t understand taking risks. Despite that, I was determined to follow my vision. It was so rewarding when my parents were there with me at the Emmys when I won.”
That must have felt like validation.
“Absolutely. Winning the Emmy was a beautiful moment. Emmy is such a good girl. She sits with me at home. She doesn’t have a sister or a husband named Oscar. She needs that man, or at least a proposal. Time is marching on, Hollywood. Come on and take a chance on me!”
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What do you consider your big break?
“Oh, it was definitely Josephine. It put me in a category where people rely on me to carry a project. Making the film was surreal—after 18-hour days, I’d pinch myself being in Budapest, shooting in stunning opera houses, and being part of grand Hollywood storytelling. The attention to costumes, sets, and lighting made every day feel like I was living the dream of a Hollywood 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 fulfilled what I imagined as a little girl about making Hollywood movies. With Josephine, I was at the center of it all—a first for me—and in a rare film that centers on a woman, not to mention an African American woman.”
But you found success in theater even earlier with For Colored Girls.
“Success. Yes, I found my tribe early on, right out of college. It was magical touring with For Colored Girls, performing in Australia and the West End. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have so many highlights in my career, but I also remember the tough times. It’s not until I reflect on my journey that I realize how successful and connected it all feels. I’m filled with gratitude and realize there’s more than one way to look back.”
What She's Most Proud Of
What are you most proud of?
“I’m proudest of my relationship with my daughter, Grace Gibson. We’re each other’s artistic muses. She graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and is incredibly talented. Along with the composer of Albany Road, Grace wrote and sang the theme song for the film. I can’t wait for the world to experience her talents.”
What do you like most about your age today?
“You can get away with saying more as you age. I think aging is something to embrace and accept. I’m proud of the longevity of my career. I’m happy to be
