Juanita Moore

As with any so-called "minority" performer, though, Moore initially found finding suitable follow-up roles difficult. She landed supporting turns in "Tammy, Tell Me True" (1961) and "Papa's Delicate Condition" (1963). In 1966, she was one of the titular character's fellow religious in "The Singing Nun." With the advent of the black-themed films in the late 60s and early 70s, Moore saw some improvement in the types of parts in which she was cast. Mostly, she undertook matriarchal roles in movies like "Uptight" (1968), a loose remake of 1935's "The Informer," "The Mack" (1973) and "Abby" (1974). Her appearances tapered off in the 1980s as she cared for her ill spouse, Charles Burris. At a time when many in her profession might consider retirement, Moore renewed her career returning to movies after a dozen years in the small role of a wise and warm, advice-dispensing grandmother in "Disney's The Kid" (2000). Following Burris's death in 2001, Moore went on to land guest parts on such high profile TV shows like "ER" and "Judging Amy." Juanita Moore died at her home in Los Angeles on December 31, 2013 at the age of 99.