Novella Nelson
On Broadway
Novella Nelson originated the role of Aunt Missy in the musical Purlie, performed as
Pearl Bailey's stand-by in Hello Dolly!, and appeared in Caesar & Cleopatra and The Little Foxes. Off-Broadway and regional theater acting credits include the Ariel Dorfman/Tony Kushner adaptation of Widows at the Mark Taper Forum, for which she was honored with a NAACP Image Award. After Joseph Papp saw her direction of Walter Jones' Nigger Nightmare she joined him at The Public Theater as Artistic Consultant from 1970-76, producing
Sundays at the Public. Her film credits include An Unmarried Woman, Girl 6, Clockers, and The Cotton Club. Nelson's extensive television credits include
Citizen Cohn,
Law & Order,
New York Undercover, and a recurring role as Judge Barbara Fitzwater on
One Life to Live.
Novella Nelson Facts
Selected Filmography
Daily Birthdays