Leslie Uggams (born May 25, 1943 in New York City) is an African American actress and singer, best known for her Tony Award-winning work in Hallelujah, Baby!
Uggams first started in show business in 1950, playing the niece of Ethel Waters on the television series Beulah. She was a regular on Sing Along with Mitch, starring record producer/conductor Mitch Miller. Since then, she has had a variety show added to her list of credits (The Leslie Uggams Show) as well as one of the lead roles in Roots, as Kizzy. In 1996, she played the role of Rose Keefer on All My Children.
She has appeared on Hollywood Squares, and fell victim to one of Paul Lynde's more famous quips. After being asked if Roma legend says that God made the people of the world in a large oven, Lynde looked at her and remarked "Looks like you were overcooked".
She is currently starring on Broadway in the play On Golden Pond at the Cort Theatre.
