'Ain't Misbehavin' and 'Ghost' Star Armelia McQueen Dies at 68 — inside Her Life and Career

Hollywood lost another great actress over the weekend. Armelia McQueen, known for her role on “Ain’t Misbehavin,'” passed away at the age of 68.

On Sunday, October 3, 2020, actress Armelia McQueen died. Her death was confirmed by a friend named Dorian Hannaway via a Facebook post.

McQueen was part of the original cast for “Ain’t Misbehavin.’” In 1978, the cabaret musical ended up on Broadway where it had its debut.

ARMELIA'S ACCOLADE

The actress won a Theatre World Award in 1978 for her performance in the musical. Besides her theater work, the star also appeared in various films and television shows.

Some fans might recognize her in 1990’s “Ghost” as the character of Clara Brown. McQueen also appeared in other films including “The Hustle” and “Action Jackson.”

FRIEND MOURNS HER DEATH

Hannaway mourned her friend's death writing: “You are truly an angel now.” She shared how McQueen’s memory will be cherished and called her one of her greatest friends.

The star’s friend also paid tribute to her noting: “The only thing bigger than her beautiful soul was her extraordinary talent.” Hannaway also shared how she and others would now be sustained by the memories of all the fun they had together.

HER MOST RECENT TV WORK

McQueen’s most recent work was on a television show. She starred in “Airbound” in 2018 and before that she had a recurring role as Shula Whitaker on “Hart of Dixie.”

From 1992 to 1994, the actress appeared as the Red Queen in the “Adventures in Wonderland” series. The versatile star also had brief appearances in the comedy sitcom’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “That’s So Raven.”

WHEN WAS SHE BORN

McQueen was born on January 6, 1952, in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Her parents were James and Kathleen McQueen but they divorced, and her mother married Robert Brown.

The actress was raised in Brooklyn where she performed in church plays. After graduating high school in 1969, she briefly enrolled at the Fashion Industry School.

WHERE SHE STUDIED & STARTED CAREER

However, in 1972, she attended the Herbert Berghoff Drama School. Her acting career took off when she was hired for a role in “Hot & Cold Heroes.”

Four years late she had another role in the cult classic movie, “Sparkle.” For “Ain’t Misbehavin’” McQueen won for Best Debut Performance.

KENZO’S DEATH

Another star that passed away this year includes Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada. The “Kenzo” brand founder died from complications related to the novel coronavirus disease.

Takada was 81-years-old when he passed away in Paris. He had a nearly 30-year career in France, before selling his fashion house to LVMH in 1993 and retiring from fashion in 1999.