ट्रिविया

Lost her husband to the 9/11-attacks; she was 8 months pregnant at the time.

Won the 2006 Tony for "Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical" for her role as "Celie" in "The Color Purple".

She was awarded the 2006 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Oprah Winfrey's production of "The Color Purple" based on Alice Walker's novel.

Daughters (with Gooding): Celia Rose and Zaya LaChanze.

Nominated for Broadway's 1991 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role - Musical) for "Once on this Island".

Has one stepson from her July 2005 marriage to Derek Fordjour.