Trivia

Best known on TV for playing the recurring role of Harriet (David's grandmother) on Sesame Street (1969) and Bill Cosby's mother on The Cosby Show (1984).

Involved in a lawsuit in the late 1980s over ownership rights of the play "Moms," based on the life of Chitlin' Circuit comedienne Moms Mabley. Ms. Taylor developed interest in creating a full-length play after portraying Moms in a sketch in an off-off-Broadway production in the early 1980s. Taylor collaborated with friend and Obie-winning writer Alice Childress on the play with Childress receiving sole copyright for her writing of the play, although Taylor provided much of the research material and suggested characters and scenes. Eventually, personal and professional relations broke down between the two, and Taylor produced a new play based on the comedienne. Alleged copyright infringements eventually led to a legal action with Childress emerging victorious.

Played the role of Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North, in the musical The Wiz (1983). Later recreated the role in the film version released at the same time as the the film that starred Diana Ross, The Wiz (1978), in which the character was known as Miss One.

Survived by two adopted sons William and James Thomas, and five grandchildren, extended family.

African-American actress for over five decades, performing on stage, radio, television, and in film; co-founder of Harlem's American Negro Theater.

New Jersey, USA: Retired from acting. (August 2009)

Parents are: Leon Taylor and Shirley Taylor.