Sandra Reaves-Phillips, the acclaimed actress and singer recognized for her roles in films like ‘Round Midnight and Lean on Me, as well as her mesmerizing portrayal of six iconic divas in a solo stage performance, has passed away at the age of 79.

Reaves-Phillips breathed her last on Friday at her residence in Queens, as confirmed by family spokesperson Sandra Lanman to The Hollywood Reporter. Her health had been declining since a significant incident in 2004 when she fell off a stage during a Raisin performance in St. Louis. Subsequent serious auto accidents in 2014 and 2015 in New York further added to her health challenges.

Hailing from South Carolina, Reaves-Phillips shared the Broadway stage with Maurice Hines in his 2006 musical, Hot Feet. Notably, she portrayed Mama Younger and Bertha Mae Little in Raisin during Broadway and international tours, as well as in a 1999 off-Broadway production of Rollin’ on the T.O.B.A.

Her presence on the big screen included a memorable role alongside saxophonist Dexter Gordon in Bertrand Tavernier’s ‘Round Midnight (1986), where she portrayed Buttercup. In Lean on Me (1989), directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Morgan Freeman, Reaves-Phillips played Mrs. Powers, the inspiring music teacher leading her students in the titular song.

However, it was her extraordinary talent showcased in The Late, Great Ladies of Blues & Jazz that truly demonstrated the depth of her abilities. In this production, she brought to life the music and personas of legendary figures such as Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, and Mahalia Jackson. Touring extensively around the country and abroad, the show became a testament to Reaves-Phillips’ enduring impact.

Beyond this iconic production, she crafted and toured with three additional one-woman shows: Bold and Brassy Blues, Heart to Heart—an R&B revue—and a heartfelt tribute to Mahalia Jackson. Sandra Reaves-Phillips’ artistic legacy is etched not only in her notable film and stage performances but also in her ability to embody the spirit and essence of some of the greatest musical icons in history.