Virginia Capers

Virginia Capers was a Tony-Award-winning stage actress and singer best known for her performances in the Broadway musicals "Saratoga" and "Raisin" (based on the play "A Raisin in the Sun"). From the 1960s until 2002, Capers guest starred on numerous television shows and in several feature films as well. In film, she garnered a lot attention for her performance as singer Billie Holiday's mother in "Lady Sings the Blues" and for her roles in the cult blaxploitation films "Trouble Man" and "Five on the Black Hand Side." Ensuing Appearances in two Richard Pryor films, "The Toy" and "Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling," ushered in an era of comedy for Capers that ultimately afforded her a spot as school nurse Florence Sparrow in the beloved John Hughes romp "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." The actress worked on many television shows, though viewers may remember her most fondly from her recurring role on the Will Smith sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and from "Frank's Place," starring Tim Reid. Capers died on May 6, 2004 at the age of 78.