“Celebrating Women” Bright Red Carpet Lights on Irma P. Hall, American Actress & Producer 2021 Women’s History Month

My Day

By Dr. J. Ester Davis

“Celebrating Women” Bright Red Carpet Lights on Irma P. Hall, American Actress & Producer.

2021 Women’s History Month.

My favorite word for Irma Dolores Player Hall are many, and here are the top five; Visionary.  Bold. Style.  Substance. Significance. Legend.  She is a product of the great State of Texas and enjoyed immensely her role as an educator.

This is my third writing on Irma P. Hall.  I wrote my first story on Irma P. Hall in 2012. I ran into her  at DFW Airport.  She was on her way out and I was coming in. The second article contributing to a magazine article based in another state. Irma P. Hall, has participated in local theatre venues  in Dallas and DeSoto.  Two years(2) ago I was invited to a local studio to hear her “read” for a new play.  Today, the legendary actress/producer is still in vogue with re runs, award programming and several other potential big-screen appearances on the horizon.

“In Celebrating Women”  where do you start with a subject like Irma P. Hall?  We love her in movies.     For a little history, look for “Book of Numbers “(1973) where Irma P. Hall’s role is Georgia Brown.  Still a splendid picture.   “A Family Thing” (1996); “Nothing to Lose” (1997); “The Lady Killers” (2004); “Collateral” (2004).  There was “Soul Food”, The Movie in 1997.  And “Soul Food”, The Series, released by FOX in 2000. Around this time she appeared on the cover of “Jet Magazine”.  My favorite character is Josephine “Big Mama Joe” Joseph, a role she reprised in the television series of the same name.  Depending on what color the ink is on the contract, ‘reprise’  makes her a credited producer, scriptwriter, or a listing among the many writers.

In television, the strong authority figure of prominence prevails in all roles.  “Tilly” in the “Dallas Series” (1978); Bernie Mac Show, Crisis @Central High, To Sir With Love, Judging Amy, Touched By An Angel, Chicago Fire, Walker Texas Ranger.  Whew!!!

I am a great admirer of Irma P. Hall mainly because she recognized a  ‘niche’ in the movie and television world. She spent more than two(2) decades as a DISD Teacher.  Then onward to movies as a middle-aged, gray-haired matriarch, with a few pounds on her medium frame.  Her career after teaching had promise combined with a successful wide net of memorable roles.

And finally, I must mention at least two crowns to her inspiring career.  Irma P. Hall was awarded the Jury Prize in the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, and some of us recall her appearance at the NAACP Image Awards in 2004. Thank you Ms. Hall.  It’s a pleasure knowing you.

Esterdavis2000@gmail.com