Actress, singer, Executive Director of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, Lar’Juanette Williams, passes away at 60 years old
- Rodney Sanders
- 10 hours ago
- 1 min read
The performing arts community is mourning the loss of an award-winning singer, dancer, actress, writer and arts administrator.
Memphis native Lar'juanette Williams, who served as the executive director of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, has died.
Her numerous film and television credits include E.R, Chicago Hope, Seinfeld, NYPD Blue, Spy Hard, Ghost of Mississippi, and Night Stand.
Her numerous professional stage credits include Ain’t Misbehavin, Hairspray, and Hello Dolly.
Many may recognize Williams for her outstanding performance as EFFIE WHITE in the National Touring company production of DREAMGIRLS.
Williams is a recipient of the 2014 Georgie Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress, the 2012 Broadway World’s Best Actress in a Musical, and the 2000 Ostrander Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
At only 24 years of age, she was listed as one of the 10 Most Outstanding Young Women In America for her many contributions to in the performing arts.
She returned to her hometown of Memphis, TN and led the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, focusing on preserving, celebrating, and advancing African American arts, literature, and culture.
In 2022, Jar'Juanette and the Memphis Black Arts Alliance created and produced the Memphis Legacy Honors & Ball to celebrate, and advance Black arts. Native Memphians who were honored at the "Ball" include Katori Hall, Elise Neal, and Evvie McKinney, among others.
Lar'Juanette passed away unexpectedly on May 16, 2025.
Williams's cause of death is unknown at this time.
She was only 60 years old.
Please keep her family and friends in your prayers!
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