In Memory of TV's 'That's My Mama' Star Theresa Merritt: 26 Years After Her Tragic Death

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It's been nearly three decades since the tragic demise of actress/singer Theresa Merritt, who was best known for her leading performance as Eloise 'Mama' Curtis in the pioneering TV sitcom, That's My Mama (ABC, 1974-1975). A multi-talented entertainer, Merritt made countless other television appearances, as well as on the big screen, and the stage, before succumbing to skin cancer on June 12, 1998. This is her story.

A Closer Look

Theresa Irene Merritt was born September 24, 1922, in Newport News. She studied at the Settlement School of Music in Philadelphia, and at Temple University and New York University.

As a teen, Merritt appeared on the groundbreaking radio show, Parisian Tailor's Colored Kiddie Hour, which was geared toward Black audiences.

She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and, at 21, was selected by Billy Rose to portray Frascetta in his 1943 Broadway legendary production of Carmen Jones.

In the 1950s, Merritt joined the Helen Way Singers, and performed session singing, most notably "Early In The Morning" for Buddy Holly in 1958. She had also been a backup singer for Harry Belafonte.

Other Broadway Performances Led To Mama on TV

Some of Theresa Merritt's other esteemed Broadway performances include Tambourines to Glory (1963), Golden Boy (1964), Trumpets of the Lord (1969), Don't Play Us Cheap! (1972), and The Crucible (1972), Mule Bone (1991), Division Street (1980), among others.

Meanwhile, too, Merritt toured with road companies of Funny Girl, Show Boat, and South Pacific.

Merrit also starred as Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, for which she earned a Tony Award nomination, and performed in The Wiz, replacing Mabel King as Evillene.

Upon leaving The Wiz due to her role's harmful effect on her voice, Merritt was cast in the starring role of TV's That's My Mama.

On the Big Screen

A versatile performer, Theresa Merritt also made big screen appearances including her role as Aunt Em in the 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz, Mrs. Crosby in the 1977 movie version of Neil Simon's The Goodbye Girl, and Juanita in the motion picture comedy Billy Madison. She also appeared alongside Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton in the big-screen version of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Producers of the blockbuster film Ghost originally wanted her for the part of Oda Mae Brown but Patrick Swayze insisted Whoopi Goldberg be cast instead.

Lasting Impression

The legacy of Theresa Merritt and her talent will remain forever cherished by her countless fans around the world.