Leslie Uggams

Joaquina Kalukango plays Gran Mimi in the Encores! production of Jelly’s Last Jam at New York City Center from February 21 to March 3.

Uggams established herself as a star right from the start of her nearly six-decade career, winning a Tony Award for her Broadway-debut role as Georgina in Hallelujah, Baby! She would go on to star in numerous other shows including King Hedley II (Tony nomination), Anything Goes, and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

In 1977, Uggams also became a screen star, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her performance on the miniseries Roots. More recently, she had notable TV and film roles in Deadpool, Empire, and American Fiction.