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Minnie Gentry (born Minnie Lee Watson, December 2, 1915 – May 11, 1993) Encyclopedia of Cleveland History: Gentry, Minnie Lee Watson was an American actress.
Gentry was born Minnie Lee Watson in Norfolk, Virginia, the daughter of Mincie and Taylor Watson. Her family moved to Cleveland during her childhood, where she began studying piano at the age of nine, at the Phyllis Wheatley School of Music. She began acting at the Friendly Inn Settlement and married Lloyd Gentry in 1932. Subsequently, she appeared in many plays at the African-American theater the Karamu House.
On Broadway, Gentry performed in All God's Chillun Got Wings (1975), The Sunshine Boys (1972), Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death (1971), and Lysistrata (1946). She also appeared in several films, including The Brother from Another Planet, Def by Temptation, and Jungle Fever. She portrayed Aunt Bess on the television series All My Children and Miriam George on Ryan's Hope. She also appeared as Gramtee on The Cosby Show.
Gentry had a daughter, Marjorie Hawkins. Her great-grandson is actor Terrence Howard.
On May 11, 1993, Gentry died at her home in Manhattan at age 77.
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