Ruth Brown

Actress-musician Ruth Brown made a splash in Hollywood both on and off-screen for more than three decades. Known for making audiences laugh, Brown began her acting career in comedies like "Hairspray" (1988) starring Sonny Bono and "True Identity" (1991) with Lenny Henry. She worked in series television while getting her start in acting, including a part on "Austin City Limits" (PBS, 1974-2015). Brown also contributed music to "Quicksilver" (1986) and the Jennifer Jason Leigh thriller "Heart of Midnight" (1989). Her work around this time also included a part on the TV movie "Hallelujah" (PBS, 1993-94). She also contributed to a variety of television specials, including "Black and Blue" (PBS, 1992-93) and "Abbey Lincoln, You Gotta Pay the Band" (PBS, 1992-93). Brown's music was also a part of the Norah Jones drama "My Blueberry Nights" (2008), the Richard Gere dramatic adaptation "Nights in Rodanthe" (2008) and "Seven Pounds" (2008). Brown was most recently credited in "Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2" (PBS, 2010-11). In addition to her music, Brown also appeared on-screen in the Aerosmith documentary "Lightning in a Bottle" (2004) and "Honeydripper" (2007) with Danny Glover. Brown passed away in November 2006 at the age of 78.