On this date in 1926, Beah Richards, born Beulah Elizabeth Richardson in Vicksburg, Mississippi, was an acclaimed American actress, poet, playwright, and activist. She began her acting career in the 1950s, initially performing on stage before transitioning to film and television.

Richards is perhaps best known for her role as Mrs. Mary Prentice in the 1967 film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, for which she received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress. She also appeared in notable films such as In the Heat of the Night (1967), The Great White Hope (1970), and Beloved (1998).

In addition to her film career, Richards had a distinguished stage presence, earning a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the 1965 production of The Amen Corner. Her television appearances included roles on series like Frank’s Place and The Practice, for which she won two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Beyond her acting career, Richards was a poet and playwright. Her first play, One Is a Crowd, addressed issues of racial segregation and was performed in 1951. She was also involved in political activism, co-founding the civil rights organization Sojourners for Peace and Justice.

Richards passed away on September 14, 2000, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, from emphysema, just days after winning her second Emmy Award. Her legacy continues to inspire many in the arts and civil rights movements.