What happened to Theatre Director Shirley Jo Finney?

The artistic world is mourning the loss of Shirley Jo Finney, a revered theater director and actress best known for her portrayal of Olympic champion Wilma Rudolph in the 1977 TV film “Wilma.” She passed away on Tuesday at the age of 74.

Stephen Sachs, the artistic director of the Fountain Theatre, expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt statement: “Announcing the departure of my cherished artistic sister leaves an indescribable void. For 26 years, she was my theatrical compass, guiding and inspiring every artistic endeavor.”

Finney’s directorial prowess graced some of the most prestigious regional theaters across the U.S., as highlighted by the Times. These include renowned platforms such as the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Humana Festival at the Actors Theater of Louisville.

Among her many accolades, Finney was celebrated with awards from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, Ovation, and NAACP for her exceptional direction in “The Ballad of Emmett Till.” Her cinematic creativity was also showcased when she clinched the International Black Filmmakers Award for her short film “Remember Me.”

While theater remained her primary domain, Finney showcased her versatility with television roles in shows like “Hill Street Blues” and “Lou Grant.” Furthermore, she directed multiple episodes of the sitcom “Moesha.”

In the biopic “Wilma,” Finney brilliantly brought to life the story of the iconic Olympic sprinter, sharing the screen with legends Cicely Tyson and Denzel Washington.

Born on July 14, 1949, in Merced, California, Finney’s educational journey led her to UCLA, where she obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree. Her passion for nurturing budding artists saw her serve as an artist-in-residence at various esteemed institutions, including UCLA, the University of Southern California, Columbia College in Chicago, and the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Shirley Jo Finney’s remarkable journey, marked by a blend of talent, passion, and dedication, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.