Cindy Ann Williams, known as Cynda Williams, is an American actress. She made her film debut as Clarke Bentancourt in Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues (1990), followed by a starring role in the thriller One False Move (1992), which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead.
Early life and education Williams was born Cindy Ann Williams in Chicago, Illinois to Charles, a police officer and Beverly, a medical lab technician.Entertainment Weekly – Cynda Williams: Breakout star -- The actress stars in Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues – August 24, 1990 She was raised in the Pullman neighborhood on the city's south side. She spent parts of her early childhood in Indiana, where she sang in her grandfather's church. Williams attended Bennett Elementary SchoolPress Reader – Chicago Actress Defines Perseverance – February 24, 2010 before she moved with her mother to Muncie, Indiana, as a teenager. While in Indiana, Williams attended Northside High School; graduating in 1984.Northside High School (Muncie, Indiana) 1984 yearbook
After high school, Williams attended Ball State University, studying theater, and was crowned Ms. Ball State in 1987. She graduated in 1989.
Career In 1989, Williams changed her first name to "Cynda" to avoid conflicts with Laverne & Shirley actress Cindy Williams, who was also listed by the same name with the Screen Actors Guild. Williams has acted in films on both television and in the cinema. Her first appearance in a feature film was in Spike Lee's 1990 Mo' Better Blues. "In the Midwest, I was told by casting directors that I wasn't the right type because I didn't look black enough, and I didn't look white," says Williams. "But everything changed when I moved to New York, because my look could cross different lines."IndieWire. "‘Mo’ Better Blues’ at 30: Spike Lee's Fourth Joint, as Told by Female Leads Cynda Williams and Joie Lee" September 24, 2020. She was also in One False Move (1992) as well as the Tales of the City Channel 4/PBS miniseries.
Williams had a brief stint in the music industry in 1990 with her appearance on the soundtrack to Mo' Better Blues, on the song "Harlem Blues". The single was popular, reaching No. 9 on the R&B charts on November 17, 1990. With the success of the single, Williams had been lined up with Sony to produce her own album. While she was trained in a variety of genres, jazz became pressed on her after the success of "Harlem Blues". The album was shelved following internal disagreements at Sony.
Personal life Williams was married to her One False Move co-star Billy Bob Thornton, from 1990 to 1992.
Filmography
Film + Year Title Role Notes 1990 Mo' Better Blues Clarke Bentancourt 1992 One False Move Lila "Fantasia" Walker 1993 Ghost Brigade Rebecca 1995 Condition Red Gidell Ryan The Tie That Binds Lisa-Marie Chandler 1996 Sweeper Diane Spirit Lost Arabella Black Rose of Harlem Georgia Tales of Erotica Davida Urked 1998 Caught Up Vanessa Dietrich/Trish Relax...It's Just Sex Sarina Classer The Last Call - 2001 MacArthur Park Alicia March Angela Walsh 2003 With or Without You Cheri Fontenot 2004 Shooter Coach Mary Short film 2005 When Do We Eat? Grace 2007 Frankie D Barbara Divine Intervention Sister Grier 2008 Tru Loved Lisa Beautiful Loser Dennice (Adult) 2012 Turning Point Dede Johnson 2014 Gangland Tammy 2015 72 Hours Liyah 2017 The Hills Miss Lee Ray Meets Helen Doctor Harris A Chance in the World Ruby Dottin Credited as 'Lynda Williams' Wilted Rose Tanya Sanchez Short film Pieces of David Detective Elaine 2018 Every 21 Seconds Administrative Nurse Malone 2019 A Sisterhood of Signatures Mrs. Owens Short film Welfare Check JoShort film; also producer Everyday But Christmas Deanna's Mother 2020 Why Me Ms. BlackAlso producer The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater Deb 2021 Mad As Hell Detective Briggs Untold: The Back & Forth Story Chriss Murray Finding Dawn Dawn Short film Life Ain't Like the Movies Pat Mills 2023 Kings of L.A. Yolie
Television Year Title Role Notes 1993 Tales of the City D'orothea Wilson Recurring cast 1995 Marker Pamela Austin Episode: "Truth, Lies and Rock 'n' Roll" Fallen Angels Deletha Episode: "Fearless" 1996 Gang in Blue Anita Boyard TV movie 1997 New York Undercover Erica Rockler Episode: "Hubris" 1998 The Wedding Liz Odis TV movie 1999 Introducing Dorothy Dandridge Vivian Dandridge 2000 The Courage to Love Cecelia Delille Hidden Blessings Brandy Taylor 2003 Violation Rita Washington 2006 Our House Nurse 2019 Black Privilege Alderwoman Tyrina
Award nominations Year Award Category Title Result1993Independent Spirit AwardBest Female LeadOne False Move
References
External links
Cynda Williams Bio at R&B Haven