Born in Emporia, Virginia, Merritt appeared in many theatrical productions but gained fame later in life when she starred as Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, for which she earned a Tony Award nomination,[1] and The Wiz, in which she replaced Mabel King as Evillene.
[2] Merritt's other Broadway credits included Mule Bone (1991), Division Street (1980), Don't Play Us Cheap!
[3] She also toured with road companies of Funny Girl, Show Boat, and South Pacific.
She also appeared alongside Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton in the film adaptation of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
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