Profile

Suzzanne Douglas: Official Profile

Suzzanne Douglas (born at April 12, 1957) was an acclaimed American actress, singer, and performing artist whose dynamic career spanned theater, film, and television for over four decades. Renowned for her compelling performances and artistic versatility, she left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry and in the communities she served.

Early Life & Education

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Suzzanne was one of four children and grew up in the Altgeld Gardens public housing complex. Her passion for performance began in childhood, inspired by classic musicals such as The Sound of Music. After graduating from Thornton Township High School in 1974, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Illinois State University and later a Master of Music degree in Jazz Vocals from the Manhattan School of Music.

Career

Suzzanne Douglas’s career was marked by remarkable range and depth, spanning stage, screen, and television:

• Theater: She appeared in a wide range of stage productions, from musicals like The Tap Dance Kid and 42nd Street to dramatic work in plays such as Wit, where she was the first African American to perform the role of Dr. Bearing.
• Film: Douglas delivered memorable performances in films including Tap (1989), for which she won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, as well as How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Jason’s Lyric, The Inkwell, School of Rock, and Whitney.
• Television: She is widely known for her role as Geraldine “Jerri” Peterson on the WB sitcom The Parent ’Hood (1995–1999). Douglas also made notable guest appearances on series such as The Cosby Show, Touched by an Angel, The Good Wife, and Law & Order. One of her later acclaimed roles was as Grace Cuffee in Ava DuVernay’s Netflix miniseries When They See Us (2019).

Other Artistic Pursuits

Beyond acting, Douglas was an accomplished singer and jazz performer. She regularly performed jazz standards and original compositions, collaborating with notable musicians and presenting performances that celebrated the American Songbook. Her artistic influence extended into music as well as dramatic arts.

Community Involvement & Honors

An active member of numerous organizations, Douglas served on the national executive board of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of the USA, the National Council of Negro Women, Sigma Alpha Lambda, and Jack and Jill of America. Her contributions to the arts and mentorship of young artists were widely recognized.

Legacy

Suzzanne Douglas’s impact continues through her extensive body of work and her advocacy for artistic expression and community engagement. In her honor, institutions like Luna Stage established memorial funds and commissioning programs to support emerging artists of color — reflecting her lifelong commitment to the arts and social justice.

Personal Life & Passing

Douglas married neuro-radiologist Dr. Roy Jonathan Cobb in 1989, and the couple had one daughter together. After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away at her home in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, in July 2021 at the age of 64. Her death was widely mourned by fans, peers, and collaborators who celebrated her talent, grace, and generosity.