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Hope Clarke
Actor

Hope Clarke

23 Mar 1941Born
85Age
26Credits
Washington, D.CBirthplace

Biography

Hope Clarke is an American actress, dancer, vocalist, choreographer, and director. Clarke performed as principal dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, 1960s; actress on stage, film, and television, 1970s–1980s; choreographer and director, 1980s--. Clarke served on the Tony Awards Nominating Committee for the 2011–12 Broadway season. Clarke made history in 1995 when she became the first African American, as well as the first African-American woman, to direct and choreograph a major staging of the opera-musical Porgy and Bess.

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Clarke's production of the George Gershwin classic was staged in celebration of the work's 60h anniversary, and it toured not only major American cities but Japan and Europe as well. Clarke drew critical acclaim for her commitment to staging the show as a monument to African-American community and pride, giving a more hopeful, positive aura to a story that has been criticized for its stereotypes. As for the director herself, the success of Porgy and Bess is just the latest accolade in a long career devoted to dance and drama.

Known for

Filmography

  1. 2023RustinFilm: Lucille Randolph
  2. 2004Men Without JobsFilm: Ms. Jackson
  3. 2000Seventeen AgainFilm: Grandma Cat Donovan
  4. 1996BasquiatFilm: Matilde
  5. 1990Law & OrderSeries: Judge Emma Reynolds, Mrs. Marbury, Appellate Judge #2 (1 episode)
  6. 1988A Father's HomecomingFilm: Doctor
  7. 1985Into the NightFilm: Airport Cop
  8. 1984Beat StreetFilm: Dancing instructor
  9. 1982The New Odd CoupleSeries: Beth St. Clair (1 episode)
  10. 1982Lois Gibbs and the Love CanalFilm: Chris
  11. 1981MaggieSeries: Receptionist (1 episode)
  12. 1981Hill Street BluesSeries (1 episode)
  13. 1980Scout's HonorFilm: Mrs. Prewett
  14. 1979Hart to HartSeries: Teacher (1 episode)
  15. 1979The RopersSeries (1 episode)
  16. 1979Jennifer: A Woman’s StoryFilm: Annie
  17. 1978The White ShadowSeries: Aunt Edna Hayward (1 episode)
  18. 1977A Piece of the ActionFilm: Sarah Thomas
  19. 1977Three's CompanySeries: Second Nurse (1 episode)
  20. 1977The BaronFilm: Cokeman's Girl
  21. 1976What's Happening!!Series: Elizabeth Duncan, Mrs. Watson (1 episode)
  22. 1975The JeffersonsSeries (1 episode)
  23. 1974Good TimesSeries (1 episode)
  24. 1973Book of NumbersFilm: Pigmeat Goins
  25. 1971Going HomeFilm: Mother at Prison
  26. 1969Change of MindFilm: Nancy

Biography and credits from TMDB. This website uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.