In Memory of Roxie Roker ('Jeffersons'/Mother of Lenny Kravitz): 3 Decades After Her Tragic Death

Photo byblackdoctor.org

It’s been nearly thirty years since the tragic death of actress Roxie Roker, best known as Helen Willis on TV’s long-running, groundbreaking hit sitcom, The Jeffersons (CBS, 1975–1985). Also known as the mother of music sensation Lenny Kravitz, Roker died of breast cancer on December 2, 1995. This is her story.

A Closer Look

Roxie Roker was born in Miami, Florida to Bessie Roker (née Mitchell), a domestic Georgia. Her father, Albert Roker, was a porter and a native of Andros, The Bahamas.

Roker, who grew up in Brooklyn, studied Dama at Howard University, under acclaimed instructors Anne Cooke Reid and Owen Dodson. She commenced her professional career with the Negro Ensemble Company and became a successful stage actress.

In 1974, Roker won an Obie Award and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance as Mattie Williams in The River Niger.

Around the same time, Roker was a reporter on WNEW-TV in New York in hosted a public affairs show for the station known as Inside Bed-Stuy, which addressed events in that Brooklyn neighborhood.

Then Came The Jeffersons

When cast in 1975 as Helen Willis on The Jeffersons, Roxie Roker helped to break racial and social barriers as one-half of TV’s first Caucasian–African-American married couple, opposite actor Franklin Cover.

Beyond The Jeffersons

Beyond The Jeffersons, Roker made several TV guest appearances including Punky Brewster, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, A Different World, Murder, She Wrote, The Love Boat, and more.

Roker also appeared in the iconic TV mini-series Roots and the 1972 feature film Claudine (starring Diahann Carroll).

Behind the Scenes

From 1962 to 1985, Roxie Roker was married to TV producer Sy Kravitz, with whom she had a son, singer-songwriter/actor Lenny Kravitz (born May 26, 1964).

Famed NBC weatherman Al Roker and Roxie Roker were second cousins once removed.

Lasting Impression

In addition to her acting career, Roxie Roker was known for her philanthropic work, particularly as a children’s advocate. She was a board member of the Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, a non-profit organization that is still active to this day, and helps fight for the rights of children served by the Child Welfare System.