Madge Sinclair

About Madge Sinclair

D." CBS, 1979-86, "Gabriel's Fire" ABC, 1990-91), miniseries ("Roots" ABC, 1977) and TV-movies ("I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" CBS, 1979, "Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones" CBS, 1980, "Divided We Stand" ABC, 1988). Sinclair's forthright manner has enhanced many tough but essentially warm-hearted character roles, some, like herself, of West Indies descent.

Among Sinclair's feature film credits are "I Will...I Will...for Now", "Cornbread, Earl and Me" (both 1975), "Leadbelly" (1976), "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" (1986) and "Coming to America" (1988). Her final film role was the voice of the Lion Queen in Disney's "The Lion King" (1994).

A capable and versatile businesswoman as well, Sinclair was an art dealer, chairwoman of the women's clothing manufacturer, Madge Walters Sinclair Inc., and owner of the Action Income Tax Service.

Partners

Husband

Dean Compton. married 1971; survived her

Husband

Royston Sinclair. Jamaican; divorced 1969

Education

Shortwood Women's College

Career Milestones

Appeared in role of "Empress" Josephine Austin in ABC drama series, "Gabriel's Fire"

Co-starred in ABC sitcom "Me and the Boys"

Played role of Nurse Ernestine Shoop in CBS medical drama, "Trapper John, M.D."

Portrayed Gussie Lemone in ABC detective series, "O'Hara"

Worked as a schoolteacher for six years

1969

Made stage debut in New York Shakespeare Festival production of "Kumaliza"; played an African princess

1974

Made feature film debut in "Conrack"

1977

Portrayed Bell, Kunta Kinte's wife, in ABC miniseries, "Roots"; received first Emmy nomination

1978

Played Madge, Senator Kelley's secretary, in short-lived NBC comedy-drama, "Grandpa Goes to Washington"

1994

Final screen credit, as voice of the Lion Queen in Disney's "The Lion King"