Hall also is remembered for her role as Rose Holloway on the NBC sitcom “227.”
“When she came here to visit, she wasn’t a celebrity,” said cousin Lisa Henry, of the Robert C. Henry Funeral Home. “She was just Tiny.”
In October, Hall was featured in the TV One documentary “Breast Cancer Examined: An African-American Perspective,” produced by Springfield native Gina Holland.
Back in 2004, Hall told the News-Sun that “Sesame Street” was “the best job I ever had.”
For 12 years beginning in 1976, she played professional photographer Olivia on the beloved PBS children’s show.
Entertaining — and educating — kids was a role she took seriously.
“It dawned on me,” she recalled in 2004. “I have a big responsibility. I was in their house every day.”
Born Bernice Reed, Hall was a former “Jet” magazine cover girl and held the lead in the Chicago production of “Hair.”
In 1971, she even released a single, “Bad for My Head,” on Capitol Records.
“She was always so upbeat,” Henry said. “She was a very, very talented person. She had a beautiful voice.”
She also was a Springfielder through and through.
“She loved Schuler’s pastries,” Henry said.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0352 or amcginn@coxohio.com.
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