Irma P. Hall, ‘Soul Food’ and ‘The Ladykillers’ Actress, Dies at 91

Irma P. Hall, who played Josephine “Big Mama” Joseph in the 1997 dramedy “Soul Food,” died on Tuesday, her family confirmed. She was 91.

“Irma P. Hall was a beloved actress, author, poet, educator and public speaker whose contributions touched countless lives throughout her remarkable career,” her family wrote in a statement. “Her legacy of talent, dedication and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Born in Beaumont, Texas, Hall was raised in Chicago before graduating from Texas College in 1956. She became a high school teacher and taught French, Spanish and other languages in Houston and Dallas until she began acting full time in 1984.

Her first role was as Georgia Brown in the independent film “Book of Numbers,” directed by Raymond St. Jacques. She was performing a poem when he scouted her and offered her the role on the spot. She instantly discovered her love for acting. She went on to act in several films and TV shows, including Ron Howard’s action thriller “Backdraft” in 1991 and Peter Macdonald’s comedy-drama “Mo’ Money” in 1992.

Her career continued to grow with “Family Thing,” “Nothing to Lose” and “Steel” before she landed the role of Big Mama.

She received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture in 1998. “Soul Food” was a hit at the box office, prompting the spinoff series “Soul Food: The Series,” where Hall reprised her role in fantasy sequences.

In 2004, she received a Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance opposite Tom Hanks in “The Ladykillers.” She later made guest appearances on” Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Game” and “Chicago Fire.”