Tripti Joshi (Editor)

Roxie Roker

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Cause of death
  
Role
  
Actress

Alma mater
  
Spouse
  
Sy Kravitz (m. 1962–1985)


Years active
  
1974–1995

Grandchildren
  
Zoe Kravitz

Name
  
Roxie Roker

Children
  
Roxie Roker 15 Black Celebrities You May Not Have Known Were of

Full Name
  
Roxie Albertha Roker

Born
  
August 28, 1929 (
1929-08-28
)
Miami, Florida, U.S.

Occupation
  
Actress, television personality, news anchor

Family
  
Zoe Kravitz (granddaughter)Al Roker (cousin)

Movies and TV shows
  
The Jeffersons, Claudine, Amazon Women on the Moon, Penny Ante: The Motion Pi

Similar People
  
Lenny Kravitz, Sy Kravitz, Franklin Cover, Isabel Sanford, Marla Gibbs

Died
  
December 2, 1995 (aged 66) Los Angeles, California, U.S

Arsenio w lenny kravitz roxie roker


Roxie Albertha Roker (August 28, 1929 – December 2, 1995) was a Bahamian American actress, best known for her role as Helen Willis on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons (1975–1985), half of the first interracial couple to be shown on regular prime time television.

Contents

Roxie Roker Lenny Kravitz39s Sweet 50th Birthday Photo With Late Mom

Roxie roker


Early life

Roxie Roker httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Roker was born in Miami, Florida. Her mother, Bessie (née Mitchell), was from Georgia and worked as a domestic, and her father, Albert Roker, was a native of The Bahamas and a porter. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York.

Career

Roxie Roker httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommons33

Roker is known for her role as Helen Willis on The Jeffersons. She began her professional career with the Negro Ensemble Company and became a successful stage actress. She won an Obie Award in 1974 and was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Mattie Williams in The River Niger. She was a reporter on WNEW-TV in New York in the 1970s and hosted a public affairs show for the station known as Inside Bed-Stuy, dealing with events in the Brooklyn neighborhood. She appeared in guest starring roles on many United States television shows from the 1970s through the 1990s, including "Stone in the River" starring Hal Miller for NBC, Punky Brewster, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, A Different World, Murder, She Wrote, The Love Boat, 227, and Beat the Clock. She also had a role in the television miniseries Roots and in the movie Claudine. Roker was also a children’s advocate who was cited by the city of Los Angeles for her community work.

Personal life

Roxie Roker 25 best Roxie roker ideas on Pinterest Famous interracial couples

Roker graduated from Howard University, where she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She was married to television producer Sy Kravitz in 1962. Before their divorce in 1985, the couple had a son, singer-songwriter and actor Lenny Kravitz (born May 26, 1964). Roker was the paternal grandmother of actress Zoë Kravitz and the cousin of NBC's Today Show's Al Roker.

Death

Roxie Roker 55 best ISABEL SANFORD WEEZY The Jeffersons images on Pinterest

Roker died in Los Angeles, California, on December 2, 1995, of breast cancer at the age of 66.


Roxie Roker Roxie roker 25 Dorothy dandridge Diahann


Roxie Roker Roxie Albertha Roker 1929 1995 Find A Grave Memorial

Filmography

Actress
1995
Statistically Speaking (Short)
1993
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (TV Series) as
Mrs. Russell
- In Vanessa We Trust (1993) - Mrs. Russell
1991
A Different World (TV Series) as
Dean Barksdale
- Home Is Where the Fire Is (1991) - Dean Barksdale
1991
Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) as
Jennifer Bryce
- Night Fears (1991) - Jennifer Bryce
1990
Penny Ante: The Motion Picture
1988
Punky Brewster (TV Series) as
Judge J.F. Taylor
- See You in Court (1988) - Judge J.F. Taylor
1988
227 (TV Series) as
Dr. Thelma Butler
- Best Friends (1988) - Dr. Thelma Butler
1987
1st & Ten (TV Series) as
Voodoo Princess
- Championship Games Jinx (1987) - Voodoo Princess
1983
ABC Afterschool Specials (TV Series) as
Phyllis Brooks / Aunt Helen
- The Day My Kid Went Punk (1987) - Phyllis Brooks
- The Celebrity and the Arcade Kid (1983) - Aunt Helen
1987
Amazon Women on the Moon as
Female Republican (segment "Blacks Without Soul")
1987
The New Mike Hammer (TV Series) as
Esther
- Mike Gets Married (1987) - Esther
1986
Trapper John, M.D. (TV Series) as
Mrs. Gooden
- Strange Bedfellows (1986) - Mrs. Gooden
1986
The Love Boat (TV Series) as
Rhonda Whitney
- The Will/Deja Vu/The Prediction (1986) - Rhonda Whitney
1985
Cagney & Lacey (TV Series) as
Alverta Edwards
- Lottery (1985) - Alverta Edwards
1975
The Jeffersons (TV Series) as
Helen Willis
- Red Robins (1985) - Helen Willis
- Off-Off-Off-Off Broadway (1985) - Helen Willis
- The Odd Couple (1985) - Helen Willis
- The Truth Hurts (1985) - Helen Willis
- And Up We Go (1985) - Helen Willis
- State of Mind (1985) - Helen Willis
- That Blasted Cunningham (1985) - Helen Willis
- A Secret in the Back Room (1985) - Helen Willis
- Hail to the Chief (1985) - Helen Willis
- The Gang's All Here (1985) - Helen Willis
- Last Dance (1985) - Helen Willis
- Sayonara: Part 2 (1985) - Helen Willis
- Sayonara: Part 1 (1985) - Helen Willis
- Chairman of the Bored (1985) - Helen Willis
- The Unnatural (1985) - Helen Willis
- You'll Never Get Rich (1985) - Helen Willis
- Try a Little Tenderness (1984) - Helen Willis
- They Don't Make Preachers Like Him Anymore (1984) - Helen Willis
- The Gift (1984) - Helen Willis
- Some Enchanted Evening (1984) - Helen Willis
- A House Divided (1984) - Helen Willis
- Bobbles, Bangles and Booboos (1984) - Helen Willis
- Ebony and Ivory (1984) - Helen Willis
- Blood and Money (1984) - Helen Willis
- In the Chips (1984) - Helen Willis
- Honeymoon Hotel (1984) - Helen Willis
- George's Old Girlfriend (1984) - Helen Willis
- Hart to Heart??? (1984) - Helen Willis
- Otis (1984) - Helen Willis
- A New Girl in Town (1984) - Helen Willis
- My Guy, George (1984) - Helen Willis
- Trading Places (1984) - Helen Willis
- Real Men Don't Dry Clean (1984) - Helen Willis
- The Command Post (1984) - Helen Willis
- Getting Back to Basiks (1984) - Helen Willis
- What Makes Sammy Run? (1984) - Helen Willis
- Father Christmas (1983) - Helen Willis
- Who's the Fairest? (1983) - Helen Willis
- The List (1983) - Helen Willis
- The Return of Bentley (1983) - Helen Willis
- And the Winner Is- (1983) - Helen Willis
- How Not to Marry a Millionaire (1983) - Helen Willis
- I Do, I Don't (1983) - Helen Willis
- Mission: Incredible: Part 3 (1983) - Helen Willis
- Mission: Incredible: Part 2 (1983) - Helen Willis
- Mission: Incredible: Part 1 (1983) - Helen Willis
- Personal Business (1983) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- The Wheel of Forever (1983) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Silver Lining (1983) - Helen Willis
- Double Trouble (1983) - Helen Willis
- Designing Woman (1983) - Helen Willis
- Change of a Dollar (1983) - Helen Willis
- Father's Day (1983) - Helen Willis
- The Good Life (1983) - Helen Willis
- Mr. Clean (1983) - Helen Willis
- True Confessions (1983) - Helen Willis
- Bodyguards Are People Too (1983) - Helen Willis
- My Girl, Louise (1983) - Helen Willis
- Mr. Wonderful (1983) - Helen Willis
- My Maid- My Wife (1983) - Helen Willis
- The Defiant Ones (1983) - Helen Willis
- How Now Dow Jones (1982) - Helen Willis
- Poetic Justice (1982) - Helen Willis
- Appointment in 8-B (1982) - Helen Willis
- Death Smiles on a Dry Cleaner: Part 2 (1982) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Death Smiles on a Dry Cleaner: Part 1 (1982) - Helen Willis
- A Date with Danger (1982) - Helen Willis
- Heeeere's Johnny (1982) - Helen Willis
- Charlie's Angels (1982) - Helen Willis
- Social Insecurity (1982) - Helen Willis
- Anatomy of a Stain (1982) - Helen Willis
- Laundry Is a Tough Town: Part 2 (1982) - Helen Willis
- Laundry Is a Tough Town: Part 1 (1982) - Helen Willis
- Do Not Forsake Me, Oh, My Helen (1982) - Helen Willis
- Lesson in Love (1982) - Helen Willis
- A Small Victory (1982) - Helen Willis
- Jeffersons Greatest Hits (1982) - Helen Willis
- The Strays: Part 2 (1982) - Helen Willis
- The Strays: Part 1 (1982) - Helen Willis
- Guess Who's Not Coming to Dinner? (1982) - Helen Willis
- My Wife, I Think I'll Keep Her (1982) - Helen Willis
- A Case of Self-Defense (1982) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Men of the Cloth (1982) - Helen Willis
- Blazing Jeffersons (1982) - Helen Willis
- Dog Gone (1982) - Helen Willis
- I Spy (1982) - Helen Willis
- Thammy the Thongwriter (1982) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- A Charmed Life (1981) - Helen Willis
- I've Got a Secret (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- A Whole Lot of Trouble (1981) - Helen Willis
- The House That George Built (1981) - Helen Willis
- Florence Did it Different: Part 2 (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Florence Did it Different: Part 1 (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- I've Still Got It (1981) - Helen Willis
- My Maid, Your Maid (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Louise's Father (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- The Separation: Part 2 (1981) - Helen Willis
- The Separation: Part 1 (1981) - Helen Willis
- Florence's New Job: Part 2 (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Florence's New Job: Part 1 (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Not So Dearly Beloved (1981) - Helen Willis
- I Buy the Songs (1981) - Helen Willis
- My Hero (1981) - Helen Willis
- Sorry, Wrong Meeting (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- And the Doorknobs Shined Like Diamonds (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Alley Oops (1981) - Helen Willis
- God Bless Americans (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- As Florence Turns (1981) - Helen Willis
- Calendar Girl (1981) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- All I Want for Christmas (1980) - Helen Willis
- Florence's Cousin (1980) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Put It On (1980) - Helen Willis
- The Jeffersons Go to Hawaii: Part 4 (1980) - Helen Willis
- The Jeffersons Go to Hawaii: Part 3 (1980) - Helen Willis
- The Jeffersons Go to Hawaii: Part 2 (1980) - Helen Willis
- The Jeffersons Go to Hawaii: Part 1 (1980) - Helen Willis
- Marathon Men (1980) - Helen Willis
- Once Upon a Time (1980) - Helen Willis
- The First Store (1980) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Louise Takes a Stand (1980) - Helen Willis
- The Loan (1980) - Helen Willis
- A Night to Remember (1980) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George's Birthday (1980) - Helen Willis
- The Longest Day (1980) - Helen Willis
- The Shower (1980) - Helen Willis
- The Arrival: Part 2 (1980) - Helen Willis
- The Arrival: Part 1 (1980) - Helen Willis
- Brother Tom (1980) - Helen Willis
- Louise's Setback (1980) - Helen Willis
- One Flew Into the Cuckoo's Nest (1980) - Helen Willis
- Me and Mr. G (1979) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Louise vs. Florence (1979) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Baby Love (1979) - Helen Willis
- Joltin' George (1979) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- The Expectant Father (1979) - Helen Willis
- Where's Papa? (1979) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Now You See It, Now You Don't: Part 2 (1979) - Helen Willis
- Now You See It, Now You Don't: Part 1 (1979) - Helen Willis
- Louise's Old Boyfriend (1979) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- A Short Story (1979) - Helen Willis
- The Announcement (1979) - Helen Willis
- The Freeze In (1979) - Helen Willis
- Louise's Convention (1979) - Helen Willis
- Three Faces of Florence (1979) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Every Night Fever (1979) - Helen Willis
- The Ones You Love (1979) - Helen Willis
- The Hold Out (1979) - Helen Willis
- The Other Woman (1979) - Helen Willis
- Louise's Award (1979) - Helen Willis
- Florence Meets Mr. Right (1979) - Helen Willis
- A Bedtime Story (1979) - Helen Willis
- Louise's Reunion (1979) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Louise's Sister (1979) - Helen Willis
- George Finds a Father (1978) - Helen Willis
- Harry's House Guest (1978) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George, Who? (1978) - Helen Willis
- What Are Friends For? (1978) - Helen Willis
- Half a Brother (1978) - Helen Willis
- Me and Billy Dee (1978) - Helen Willis
- George's New Stockbroker (1978) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George's Dream (1978) - Helen Willis
- How Slowly They Forget (1978) - Helen Willis
- Homecoming: Part 2 (1978) - Helen Willis
- Homecoming: Part 1 (1978) - Helen Willis
- Louise's Painting (1978) - Helen Willis
- Jenny's Thesis (1978) - Helen Willis
- George and Louise in a Bind: Part 2 (1978) - Helen Willis
- George and Louise in a Bind: Part 1 (1978) - Helen Willis
- Uncle George and Aunt Louise (1978) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Thomas H. Willis & Co. (1978) - Helen Willis
- George and Jimmy (1978) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Florence's Union (1978) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- The Blackout (1978) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Lionel Gets the Business (1978) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George and Whitty (1978) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- 984 W. 124th Street, Apt. 5C (1977) - Helen Willis
- The Jefferson Curve (1977) - Helen Willis
- George Needs Help (1977) - Helen Willis
- Florence Gets Lucky (1977) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- The Costume Party (1977) - Helen Willis
- Louise's New Interest (1977) - Helen Willis
- The Last Leaf (1977) - Helen Willis
- The Camp Out (1977) - Helen Willis
- The Visitors (1977) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Good News, Bad News (1977) - Helen Willis
- George's Legacy (1977) - Helen Willis
- George's Help (1977) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Once a Friend (1977) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- The Grand Opening: Part 2 (1977) - Helen Willis
- The Grand Opening: Part 1 (1977) - Helen Willis
- Louise's Physical (1977) - Helen Willis
- George the Philanthropist (1977) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Jenny's Opportunity (1977) - Helen Willis
- The Old Flame (1977) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Louise's Friend (1977) - Helen Willis
- The Marriage Counselors (1977) - Helen Willis
- Louise vs. Jenny (1977) - Helen Willis
- A Case of Black and White (1977) - Helen Willis
- George's Guilt (1977) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Jefferson Airplane (1977) - Helen Willis
- Bentley's Problem (1977) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Louise Forgets (1977) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- The Christmas Wedding (1976) - Helen Willis
- Florence in Love (1976) - Helen Willis
- The Agreement (1976) - Helen Willis
- Jenny's Discovery (1976) - Helen Willis
- Tom the Hero (1976) - Helen Willis
- Lionel's Pad (1976) - Helen Willis
- The Retirement Party (1976) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George's Diploma (1976) - Helen Willis
- The Lie Detector (1976) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Louise Suspects (1976) - Helen Willis
- Louise Gets Her Way (1976) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George and the President (1976) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- The Wedding (1976) - Helen Willis
- Tennis Anyone? (1976) - Helen Willis
- Lionel's Problem (1976) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George Meets Whittendale (1976) - Helen Willis
- Louise's Cookbook (1976) - Helen Willis
- Mother Jefferson's Birthday (1976) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Florence's Problem (1976) - Helen Willis
- The Breakup: Part 2 (1976) - Helen Willis
- The Breakup: Part 1 (1976) - Helen Willis
- George vs. Wall Street (1975) - Helen Willis
- Lunch with Mama (1975) - Helen Willis
- George's Alibi (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George and the Manager (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George's Best Friend (1975) - Helen Willis
- Jenny's Grandparents (1975) - Helen Willis
- George Won't Talk (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Movin' on Down (1975) - Helen Willis
- Uncle Bertram (1975) - Helen Willis
- Jefferson vs. Jefferson (1975) - Helen Willis
- Mother Jefferson's Fall (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Harry and Daphne (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Louise's Daughter (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George's First Vacation (1975) - Helen Willis
- A Dinner for Harry (1975) - Helen Willis
- Jenny's Low (1975) - Helen Willis
- Like Father, Like Son? (1975) - Helen Willis
- Former Neighbors (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Rich Man's Disease (1975) - Helen Willis
- Meet the Press (1975) - Helen Willis
- Mother Jefferson's Boyfriend (1975) - Helen Willis
- Lionel Cries Uncle (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- George's Skeleton (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- Mr. Piano Man (1975) - Helen Willis
- Lionel the Playboy (1975) - Helen Willis (credit only)
- The Good Life Is Bad for Louise (1975) - Helen Willis
- George's Family Tree (1975) - Helen Willis
- A Friend in Need (1975) - Helen Willis
1983
Making of a Male Model (TV Movie) as
Madge Davis
1982
Fantasy Island (TV Series) as
Emily Carlisle
- The Kleptomaniac/Thank God, I'm a Country Girl (1982) - Emily Carlisle
1979
Sweepstakes (TV Series) as
Margaret
- Roscoe, Elizabeth, and the M.C. (1979) - Margaret
1979
The Bermuda Triangle (Documentary) as
Bohamiar Radio Operator
1977
Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid (TV Movie) as
Mrs. Peoples
1977
Roots (TV Mini Series) as
Malizy
- Part V (1977) - Malizy
1976
Kojak (TV Series) as
Carol Lessonbee
- Law Dance (1976) - Carol Lessonbee
1975
All in the Family (TV Series) as
Helen Willis
- The Jeffersons Move on Up (1975) - Helen Willis
1974
Claudine as
Mrs. Winston
1974
Change at 125th Street (TV Movie) as
Eloise Morse
Self
1993
Vicki! (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 28 September 1993 (1993) - Self
1991
The Arsenio Hall Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #4.19 (1991) - Self
1990
The Jane Wallace Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 30 May 1990 (1990) - Self
1987
The Late Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 2 June 1987 (1987) - Self
1985
Ebony/Jet Showcase (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 6 December 1985 (1985) - Self
1982
The $10,000 Pyramid (TV Series) as
Self - Celebrity Contestant
1982
The $25,000 Pyramid (TV Series) as
Self - Celebrity Contestant
1984
Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour (TV Series) as
Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 27 July 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 26 July 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 25 July 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 24 July 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 23 July 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 6 April 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 5 April 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 4 April 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 3 April 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
- Episode dated 2 April 1984 (1984) - Self - Panelist
1982
Tattletales (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 3 December 1982 (1982) - Self
- Episode dated 2 December 1982 (1982) - Self
- Episode dated 1 December 1982 (1982) - Self
- Episode dated 30 November 1982 (1982) - Self
- Episode dated 29 November 1982 (1982) - Self
1980
The John Davidson Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 11 November 1981 (1981) - Self
- Episode dated 22 September 1980 (1980) - Self
1980
All-Star Family Feud Special (TV Series) as
Self - Celebrity Contestant
- City vs. Country Special: Dallas Vs, It's a Living, Jeffersons vs. Dukes of Hazzard (1980) - Self - Celebrity Contestant
1980
The Toni Tennille Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #1.41 (1980) - Self
1980
Whew! (TV Series) as
Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.261 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.260 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.259 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.258 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.257 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.193 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.192 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.191 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.190 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
- Episode #1.189 (1980) - Self - Celebrity Partner
1979
Beat the Clock (TV Series) as
Self
- Randi Oakes, Tom Dreesen, Roxie Roker, and Richard Kline (1979) - Self
- Randi Oakes/Tom Dressen/Richard Kline/Roxie Roker (1979) - Self
1979
Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon (TV Series) as
Self
- The 1979 Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon (1979) - Self
1978
The Alan Hamel Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 31 March 1978 (1978) - Self
1968
Inside Bedford-Stuyvesant (TV Series documentary) as
Self - Co-Host (1968-1971)
Archive Footage
-
Sammy LaBella: The Real Skip E. Lowe (filming) as
Self
2021
History of the Sitcom (TV Series documentary) as
Helen Willis
- Movin' on Up (2021) - Helen Willis
- Facing Race (2021) - Helen Willis
2020
Entertainment Tonight (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #40.24 (2020) - Self
- Duane 'Dog the Bounty Hunter" Exclusive (2020) - Self
2020
CBS News Sunday Morning (TV Series) as
Helen Willis
- Episode #42.41 (2020) - Helen Willis
2018
Mr. Soul! (Documentary) as
Self
2014
Pioneers of Television (TV Series documentary) as
Helen Willis - the Jeffersons
- Breaking Barriers (2014) - Helen Willis - the Jeffersons
1978
The Jeffersons (TV Series) as
Helen Willis
- George and Louise in a Bind: Part 3 (1978) - Helen Willis

References

Roxie Roker Wikipedia


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