Phyllis Yvonne Stickney- It was the stage that gave birth to her talent and allowed her to discover breath, depth and versatility as an artist. Phyllis worked at the Henry Street Settlement in a Woodie King production of Dreams Deferred early in her stage career. It was her work on stages like the Settlement, Harlem’s New Heritage Theater under the direction and tutelage of the late Roger Furman and Brooklyn’s Billie Holiday Theater that later lead to the Public Theater where her pioneer’s spirit brought Ms. Stickney’s one woman play Big Momma and ‘Nem that she performed to a sold out house for the entire run.. Ms. Stickney has graced many stages in her career making her presence as an artist worthy of note. Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater’s production of Wole Soyinka”s Death and the King’s Horseman this was her last stage work that prepared her for the cameras of Hollywood.

First it was to television and A DIFFERENT WORLD then it was New Attitude with Sheryl Lee Ralph and Morris Day then The Women of Brewster Place where she powerfully portrayed Cora Lee a single mother of five children along with Oprah Winfrey, Cicely Tyson and a cast of stars.

Ms. Stickney is a chameleon artist more widely recognized for her film roles that include: New Jack City, Jungle Fever, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, What’s Love Got to Do With It?, The Ink Well, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back..

As an author Ms. Stickney’s work Big Momma and ‘Nem is included in the anthology 9 Black Comedy Plays some of her work is published in “Loud Thoughts for Quiet Moments” a collection of poetry and personal perspectives.

Phyllis Yvonne Stickney is also a veteran comedienne and was one of the first comedians of color to perform at the Juste Pour Rire Comedy Festival in Montreal. Canada. She was the first female to ever perform with The Last Poets on the sound track of Panther (1995), and Essence Magazine's 25th Anniversary Issue named her as one of the 200 African American Women who has changed the world. Ms. Stickney has created and designed a line of clothing for every woman called Butterbaby, which is scheduled to be launched summer 2005. Ms Stickney is also the Founder/Executive Director for a non-profit community based organization called Alternative Careers in the Arts.

Ms. Stickney dedicates this performance to her parents and family and the host of supporters who have prayed for her return. Thanks BeBe, Ingrid and Jean-Claude, j’t’aime beaudoup.