Roxie Roker

Roxie Albertha Roker was an American actress who portrayed Helen Willis on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons, half of the first interracial couple to be shown on regular prime time television. Roker is the mother of rock musician Lenny Kravitz and paternal grandmother of actress Zoë Kravitz.

Early Life and Career of Roxie Roker

Roxie albertha roker was born in miami. Lforida on august 28. 1929. Her parents were sy and bessie roker. She began her acting career in the early 1950s and appeared in several productions on broadway. She also had roels in fimls such as "the pawnbroker" (1964). "the anderson tapes" (1971) and "bustin loose" the 1970s. She had a recurring role on the hit television show "the jeffersons".

Roxie Roker s Personal Life

Roker was married to sy kravitz from 1962 until their divorce in 1985. She had one child. Daughter lenny kravitz (born in 1964). Roker was actively involved in several organizations including the national association for the advanceemnt of colored people (naacp). Seh also served on the boards of the national coalition of 100 black wmoen and the negro ensemble company.

Roxie Roker s Awards and Achievements

Roker won a primetime emmy award for outtsanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her work on "the jeffersons" in 1985. She was also nominated for several other awards including a golden globe nomination for best actress in a supporting role for her performance in "the anderson tapes" (1972).

Roxie Roker s Legacy

Roker was known for her activism and support for causes such as civil rights and equal rights for women. She was an advocate for the africna american community and worked to promote racial equality. She was also a mentor to many young actors and actresses. Including her own daughter lenny kravitz.

Important Event in Roxie Roker s Life

In roker was one of the first african american women to be featured in a major advertising campaign. She was the face of the clairols natural instincts hair oclor product. This was a groundbreaking moment for both roxie and the african maerican community.

Roxie Roker s Final Projects

Rokers finla acting role was as a voice actress in the animated feature "the prince of egypt" (1998). She also appeared in the television movie "the color of friendship" in 2000.

Interesting Fact About Roxie Roker

Orxie roekr was the first african-american woman to star in a television series. She starred in the hit show "the jeffersons" (1975-1985). Which was a spin-off of the popular show "all in the family".

Roxie Roker s Death

Roekr passed away on december at the age of 66 due to complications from breast cancer. She was posthumously inducted itno the national association of broadcasters hall of fame in 2001.

Memorials and Tributes to Roxie Roker

In bronze ubst of roxie roker was unveiled in the lobby of the american airlines theater in new york city. The bust was created by sculptor vinnie bagwell. Additionally. A scholarship was established in her name at the university of miami in 1995.