Beatrice Winde, 79; Singer and Stage, Film and Television Actress

Beatrice Winde, 79, a Broadway actress also known for her roles in such films as “Malcolm X” and television series including “The Sopranos,” died of cancer Jan. 3 at her Manhattan home.

Born Beatrice Williams in Chicago, she studied voice at the Chicago Music Conservatory, Yale University School of Music and Juilliard, and sang professionally in Chicago before deciding to become an actress. Because Actors Equity had an actress named Beatrice Williams, she adopted the professional name of Beatrice Winde.

She began her stage career off-Broadway in the drama “In White America” in 1963, and made her Broadway debut in Melvin Van Peebles’ 1972 musical “Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death.” Her performance in the musical earned Winde a Theatre World award and the first of seven Tony nominations. Other honors include the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theater in 1997 and an Audelco Award for Excellence in Black Theater in 2001.

A familiar character actress in Hollywood as well as on stage, Winde appeared in some two dozen motion pictures, including “Sparkle” in 1976, “Dangerous Minds” in 1995, and “Simon Birch” in 1998. Her TV appearances included “Law and Order” and “NYPD Blue.”