Esteemed New York stage actress Lynda Gravatt, known for her remarkable performances in a range of productions including “The Old Settler,” “Intimate Apparel,” “Doubt,” “45 Seconds From Broadway,” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” has passed away at the age of 76. Born in Harlem on May 24, 1947, Gravátt’s talent and passion for the stage shone brightly throughout her career.

Her son, David Gravatt, confirmed her passing on Friday at a hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Gravatt’s legacy in the theater world is deeply rooted, having been a founding member of Robert Alexander’s Living Stage at the renowned Arena Stage company in Washington.

Gravatt’s performances garnered critical acclaim, earning her accolades such as the 1999 Theatre World trophy for her portrayal of 1940s Harlem resident Quilly McGrath in “The Old Settler” and the 2004 AUDELCO prize for her role as the formidable landlady Mrs. Dickson in “Intimate Apparel.”

Throughout her career, Gravatt showcased her versatility, from standing in for Leslie Uggams as Ruby in August Wilson’s “King Hedley II” to portraying Bessie James in Neil Simon’s “45 Seconds From Broadway.” In 2016, she captivated audiences as Muller in John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt.” Even in her later years, Gravatt continued to leave her mark on Broadway, understudying the character of Big Mama in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” alongside James Earl Jones in 2008.

Reflecting on her career, Lynda Gravatt once shared, “If I’m employed, I’m happy.” Despite her initial aspiration to play the ingenue, she often found herself cast as the pragmatic grandmother, a role she embraced with grace and skill. Her journey in the theater world was also deeply personal, as she was reared by adoptive parents despite her biological father being James ‘Stump’ Cross, a tap dancer and comedian.

Lynda Gravatt’s contributions to the world of theater will be remembered fondly, not only for her remarkable talent but also for her dedication and love for her craft. As the curtains close on her life, her legacy continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.