Ani Joe Edwards, a very talented actress in Birmingham, composer, musician, died at 76 – Birmingham Times

By Barnet Wright | Birmingham Times

Ani Joe Edwards, born in Birmingham Actress, composer, musician known for bullets over Broadway (1994), Cairo Purple Rose (1985) and Colors (1988), died on Tuesday. She was 76.

Family and friends remembered Miss Edwards as a remarkable talent who decorated the scene and screen with legends, leaving an indelible imprint on the theater world and entertainment, whose outstanding career took her all over the world, including performances at the prestigious West End in London.

“Despite the famous career that covered Broadway, West End (in London) and television, Annie Joe never missed her roots …” says Mark Rabi, founder and artistic director of the theater and the Birmingham gallery.

Even through Miss Edwards took her craft around the world, she never forgets her hometown, Rabi said.

“She remained deeply linked to Birmingham and the theater and the Gallery of Encore, where she presented her latest stage performances such as radio dictator in steel magnolia in 2022 and 12 Angry Jurors in 2023,” he said. “This moment was a testament to her unwavering love for the craft and her commitment to promote local theater. She not just introduced herself – she was educated, inspired, and she returned. “

Throughout her career, Miss Edwards shared the scene and screen with legendary figures such as Carol Chaning, Ruby di and Diahan Carroll. From the highly known Broadway production of legends! With the participation of Channing to Wiz and not bad, its powerful presence and artistry shone brightly, inspiring generations of performers. Beyond the scene, she was a mentor, friend and hidden member of our community, Rabi said.

Broadway and a theatrical career

Born on September 15, 1949 in Birmingham, Miss Edwards’ trip to the theater began with her Broadway debut at Doctor Jazz (1975), where she plays the girl and Georgia’s singer, while serving as an underestimation of Georgia Sheridan.

Later, she joins the legendary cast of Ain’t Misbehavin (1978) as a standby contractor, entering as a substitute. Her theatrical success has expanded beyond Broadway, with performances in London West End Production of Ain’t Misbehav (1979) and Broadway and Los Angeles Touring Productions of the Wiz (1976-1978).

Her contribution to the theater expanded beyond the presentation; She was deeply engaged in the art community, instructing young actors and musicians as she supported the cultural representation in the performing arts. In 2022, Miss Edwards returned to the stage for her latest theatrical performance as a radio dictator in steel magnolias in the theater and the Birmingham gallery.

A movie and television career

Beyond the scene, Miss Edwards found success in the movie and television, leaving her screen skills in different roles:

Her movie loans include:

• Cairo’s Purple Rose (1985) – Delilah
• Colors (1988) – Calling Woman
• New York Stories (1989) – Citizen (Eedipus Wrecks segment)
• Bullets over Broadway (1994) – Venus
• Beat Street (1984) – Appears in the movie and the soundtrack (American girls)

TV loans include:

• Leo & liz in Beverly Hills (1986) – d -zeh
• In the Heat of the Night (1991-1994) – MONA / MONA STELAR / MONA Starr (6 episodes)
• Mama Flora’s family (1998) – a mistress (2 episodes)
• The first hundred years (1998) – Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie
• Let’s say: the first 100 years of Delani’s sisters (1999) – a new tenant

Inheritance

Miss Edwards was a mentor, performer and supporter of the arts, ensuring that her work would continue to inspire future generations, Rabbi said.

She was preceded by death by her husband Charles Harrison Avery. Memory details will be shared soon when they are over.