arol Sutton, a film, television and theater actress who appeared in films such as Steel Magnolias and Ray, has died. She was 76.
The actress died of complications from COVID-19, New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell shared in a statement on Friday.
“Carol Sutton was practically the Queen of New Orleans theater, having graced the stages across the city for decades. The world may recognize her from her performances in movies and on TV — whether it’s ‘Treme’ or ‘Claws,’ or ‘Runaway Jury’ or ‘Queen Sugar’ — but we will always remember her commanding stage presence, her richly portrayed characters, and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew in productions such as ‘4000 Miles’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ May she rest in God’s perfect peace,” Cantrell added in their statement.
After making her acting debut in the late 1960s in Dashiki Project Theatre productions, Sutton starred in dozens of productions such as The Last Madam, Native Tongues, and A Raisin in the Sun. Her television credits include The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Tremé, True Detective and Lovecraft Country. She has also held roles in film such as Steel Magnolias, Ray, Monster’s Ball, The Last Exorcism, Poms and The Help.
Ava DuVernay, creator of the OWN series Queen Sugar, tweeted: “It was our honor to welcome this veteran actress of stage and screen to our show as Aunt Martha in Episode 409, ‘Stare at the Same Fires.’ May she rise and rest in peace and power.”
Survivors include a son, Archie; a daughter, Aunya; a brother, Oris Buckner; a sister, Adrienne Jopes; and five grandchildren.
