- Lost her husband to the 9/11-attacks; she was 8 months pregnant at the time.
- Won the 2006 Tony for "Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical" for her role as "Celie" in "The Color Purple".
- She was awarded the 2006 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Oprah Winfrey's production of "The Color Purple" based on Alice Walker's novel.
- Daughters (with Gooding): Celia Rose and Zaya LaChanze.
- Nominated for Broadway's 1991 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role - Musical) for "Once on this Island".
- Has one stepson from her July 2005 marriage to Derek Fordjour.
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