The world of theater and film mourns the loss of Shirley Jo Finney, an acclaimed theater director and the shining star of the 1977 film, Wilma. She was 74 at the time of her demise.
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The Fountain Theatre conveyed the sad news through an Instagram post: “With profound sadness, we announce the passing of director Shirley Jo Finney, a cherished pillar of our Fountain Family. She left us after a prolonged illness.”
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Over the years, Finney directed a series of notable productions such as CITIZEN: An American Lyric, Heart Song, In the Red and Brown Water, The Brothers Size, The Ballad of Emmett Till, Yellowman, Central Avenue, and From the Mississippi Delta.
Her battle with cancer, which lasted for eight months, was reported by her family.
One of her standout roles was in the TV film Wilma, which chronicles the life of track and field legend Wilma Rudolph. The film depicts Rudolph’s journey, overcoming numerous challenges to clinch three gold medals during the 1960 Olympics. Alongside Finney, the movie featured stellar performances by Cicely Tyson, Jason Bernard, Denzel Washington, and others.
Furthermore, Finney’s directorial prowess in television includes three episodes of the Brandy-led sitcom, Moesha. Her foray into acting began with an appearance on The New Temperatures Rising Show in 1973.
Her impressive career includes credits in shows and movies like Police Woman (1974), Police Story (1973), Nashville Girl (1976), The Blue Knight (1976), Mork & Mindy (1979), Lou Grant (1978), Hill Street Blues (1985), Amen (1987), Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1987), Night Court (1989), among many others.
Finney’s legacy, marked by her diverse roles and directorial feats, will forever be etched in the annals of entertainment history.
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