Cherlynne Thigpen passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage on March 12, 2003, in Marina del Rey, California, at the age of 54. Her death followed several days of headaches. She is interred at Elmhurst Cemetery in Joliet, Illinois.
Thigpen was born in Joliet on December 22, 1948. She launched her career in theater, gaining recognition for her role in the 1971 musical Godspell. After relocating to New York City in 1971, she established a distinguished stage career, earning a Tony Award in 1997 for her performance in An American Daughter. Thigpen was also known for her television roles as “The Chief” on Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? and “Luna” on Bear in the Big Blue House. Her film credits include Lean on Me and Anger Management.
Her ties to Joliet are commemorated through an elementary school named in her honor. Additionally, her family founded a foundation to support aspiring actors in New York theater. Thigpen remains a respected figure within both the entertainment industry and her local community.
