Roxie Roker
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Roxie Roker (August 28, 1929 – December 2, 1995) was an American actress of Bahamanian descent who was best known for her groundbreaking role as Helen Willis on the U.S. TV sitcom, The Jeffersons, one half of the first interracial couple to be shown on regular prime-time TV. She also had a small role in the groundbreaking U.S. TV miniseries Roots.
Roker attended Howard University where she was a member of the drama club. She began her professional career with the Negro Ensemble Company and became a successful stage actress. She won an Obie Award in 1974 and was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Mattie Williams in The River Niger.
She appeared in guest starring roles on many American TV programs from the 1970s through the 1990s, including Punky Brewster, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, A Different World, Murder, She Wrote and The Love Boat.
Ms. Roker was also a children’s advocate who was cited by the City of Los Angeles for her community work.
Roxie Roker was married to producer Sy Kravitz from 1962 to 1985 and was the mother of musician Lenny Kravitz.
Roxie Roker died in 1995 of breast cancer.