Vinie Burrows Obituary? Vinie Burrows, acclaimed as “the queen of Black theater” by critic Clive Barnes, died on Christmas Day at the age of 99.
Vinie Burrows is a Jamaican-American actress and activist known for her work in theater, film, and television.
She had a prolific career spanning several decades and has been involved in various social and political causes.
Burrows had been active in the civil rights and anti-war movements since the 1960s. She is recognized for her commitment to social justice and her efforts to use her platform as an artist to address important issues.
Graduating from Harlem High School at 15, she had already become a child actress on radio and stage, appearing in the Broadway play “The Wisteria Trees.”
Despite finishing Wadleigh High School and attending New York University, Burrows saw limited opportunities for black women in the industry. This led her to create her own plays and one-woman shows.
Her productions, breaking stereotypes, reached audiences across four continents in over 6,000 theaters.
Notably, “Sister! Sister!” was featured at the University of Delaware in 1991 and later at Brandeis University’s Women’s Studies Research Center in 2001.
In 2003, she played Barbara Scarlatti in “Bel Canto” in Atlanta. Burrows continued pushing boundaries, participating in productions like “Black on the Great White Way: The Story of Rose McClendon” at the University of Iowa in 2007.
Apart from her artistic contributions, Burrows actively engaged in civil rights and anti-war movements.
Her lifetime achievements were acknowledged with an Obie Award in 2020. As a pioneer in her own right, Vinie Burrows has made a lasting impact in both the world of performing arts and social justice.
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Vinie Burrows Obituary: The 1950s Broadway Sensation Dead At 99
Vinie Burrows, the widow of Dean Harrison (who died in 1997), passed away peacefully on Christmas Day at the age of 99.
Her death, confirmed by her son Gregory Harrison, occurred in a Queens hospice facility, marking the end of a remarkable and influential life.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Burrows leaves behind a lasting legacy of activism, having been involved in civil rights and anti-war movements.
She is survived by her son, daughter, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Vinie Burrows’ impact on both the entertainment industry and social justice causes will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
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Vinie Burrow Legacy Of Black Theater
Vinie Burrows, a shining star in Black theater and a dedicated activist, leaves behind a powerful legacy that spans nearly a century. Her life’s work beautifully combined artistic talent and activism.
Starting in radio, she excelled on Broadway but became disheartened with the stereotypical roles she often played.
This frustration led her to forge her own path, creating solo shows that showcased her talent and served as platforms for her artistic and activist passions.
In 2020, she received an Obie for Lifetime Achievement, acknowledging her enduring impact on the theater world. Beyond the stage, Burrows’ influence extended globally.
As a representative at the United Nations for the Women’s International Democratic Federation, she advocated for various international and political causes.
Her dedication to peace was evident in her involvement with the Granny Peace Brigade, a group of elderly women activists opposing war.
Even in her later years, she continued to captivate audiences in downtown theater productions, performing in her nineties.
Her passion for her craft remained unwavering, illustrating her lifelong commitment to perfection.
Though the world has lost a passionate artistic force, Vinie Burrows’ legacy as an actor, activist, and Black theater icon will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
While the world has lost a passionate artistic force, Vinie Burrows’ legacy as an actor, activist, and Black theater icon will continue to inspire future generations.
