Career Timeline of Lynn Whitfield: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Lynn Whitfield, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Lynn Whitfield is a celebrated American actress known for her versatile performances across television, theatre, and film. Her breakthrough role came in 1991 with the HBO biographical film, *The Josephine Baker Story*, where she portrayed Josephine Baker. Whitfield's compelling performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie and a Golden Globe nomination. She is recognized for her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
1977: Touring in "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf"
In 1977, Lynn Whitfield toured the United States, Australia, and London's West End in the production of "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf".
1981: Screen Debut in 'Hill Street Blues'
In 1981, Lynn Whitfield made her professional screen debut in 'Hill Street Blues'.
1983: Role in 'Doctor Detroit'
In 1983, Lynn Whitfield appeared in the comedy film 'Doctor Detroit'.
1988: Regular in 'HeartBeat'
In 1988, Lynn Whitfield was a regular cast member in the ABC medical drama series 'HeartBeat'.
1991: Breakthrough Performance in 'The Josephine Baker Story'
In 1991, Lynn Whitfield achieved a breakout performance as Josephine Baker in the HBO biographical film, 'The Josephine Baker Story'. She won a Primetime Emmy Award and received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
1991: Starring in 'The Josephine Baker Story'
In 1991, Lynn Whitfield starred in 'The Josephine Baker Story', portraying Josephine Baker and winning a Primetime Emmy Award.
1992: Starring in 'Stompin' at the Savoy'
In 1992, Lynn Whitfield starred in the made-for-television movie 'Stompin' at the Savoy'.
1993: Starring in 'Taking the Heat'
In 1993, Lynn Whitfield starred in the TV movie 'Taking the Heat'.
1994: Starring in 'State of Emergency' and 'The Cosby Mysteries'
In 1994, Lynn Whitfield starred in 'State of Emergency' and had a regular role on 'The Cosby Mysteries'.
1995: Regular Role on 'The Cosby Mysteries' Concludes
In 1995, Lynn Whitfield's regular role on the short-lived NBC detective series 'The Cosby Mysteries' concluded.
1996: Starring in 'A Thin Line Between Love and Hate'
In 1996, Lynn Whitfield played a leading role in the film 'A Thin Line Between Love and Hate'.
1996: Starring in 'Sophie and the Moonhanger'
In 1996, Lynn Whitfield starred in the made-for-television movie 'Sophie and the Moonhanger'.
1997: Roles in 'Gone Fishin'', 'The Planet of Junior Brown', and 'Eve's Bayou'
In 1997, Lynn Whitfield co-starred in 'Gone Fishin'' and appeared in 'The Planet of Junior Brown' and 'Eve's Bayou'.
1997: Roles in 'Gone Fishin'' and 'Eve's Bayou'
In 1997, Lynn Whitfield starred in 'Gone Fishin'' and 'Eve's Bayou'.
1998: Supporting Role in 'Stepmom'
In 1998, Lynn Whitfield had a supporting role in the film 'Stepmom'.
1998: Roles in 'The Wedding' and 'The Color of Courage'
In 1998, Lynn Whitfield starred in 'The Wedding' and 'The Color of Courage'.
1999: Starring in 'Deep in My Heart'
In 1999, Lynn Whitfield starred in the film 'Deep in My Heart'.
2003: Co-starring in 'Head of State'
In 2003, Lynn Whitfield co-starred in the film 'Head of State'.
2004: Starring in 'Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story'
In 2004, Lynn Whitfield played Barbara Becnel in the made-for-television movie 'Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story' and received an NAACP Image Award.
2006: Role in 'Madea's Family Reunion'
In 2006, Lynn Whitfield appeared in 'Madea's Family Reunion'.
2008: Appearance in 'The Women'
In 2008, Lynn Whitfield appeared in the film 'The Women'.
2009: Appearance in 'The Rebound'
In 2009, Lynn Whitfield appeared in the film 'The Rebound'.
2011: Appearance in 'Mama, I Want to Sing'
In 2011, Lynn Whitfield appeared in the film 'Mama, I Want to Sing'.
2014: Recurring Role in 'How to Get Away with Murder'
In 2014, Lynn Whitfield began a recurring role as Mary Walker in the ABC legal drama 'How to Get Away with Murder'.
2015: Recurring Role in 'How to Get Away with Murder' continues
In 2015, Lynn Whitfield continued in her recurring role as Mary Walker in 'How to Get Away with Murder'.
2015: Cast as Lady Mae Greenleaf in 'Greenleaf'
In 2015, Lynn Whitfield was cast as Lady Mae Greenleaf in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series 'Greenleaf'.
2016: Starring in 'Greenleaf'
In 2016, Lynn Whitfield began starring as Lady Mae Greenleaf in the Oprah Winfrey Network series 'Greenleaf'.
2017: Gracie Award for 'Greenleaf'
In 2017, Lynn Whitfield won the Gracie Award for her role in 'Greenleaf'.
2018: Co-starred in 'Nappily Ever After'
In 2018, Lynn Whitfield co-starred in the romantic comedy film 'Nappily Ever After' which was released on Netflix.
2019: Guest Starred in 'The Resident'
In 2019, Lynn Whitfield guest-starred on the Fox medical drama 'The Resident', playing the mother of Shaunette Renée Wilson's character.
2019: NAACP Image Award for 'Greenleaf'
In 2019, Lynn Whitfield won the NAACP Image Award for her role in 'Greenleaf'.
2020: End of 'Greenleaf' and NAACP Image Awards
In 2020, Lynn Whitfield concluded her role in 'Greenleaf' and garnered two NAACP Image Awards.
2021: Role in 'Vacation Friends'
In 2021, Lynn Whitfield appeared in the comedy film 'Vacation Friends'.
2023: Role in 'The Retirement Plan'
In 2023, Lynn Whitfield appeared in 'The Retirement Plan'.
2023: Appeared in 'The Retirement Plan' and 'The Chi'
In 2023, Lynn Whitfield appeared in the film 'The Retirement Plan' and joined the cast of 'The Chi'.
2024: Starred in 'Albany Road'
In 2024, Lynn Whitfield starred in 'Albany Road', a road drama film.
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