LAMAMIMET

A Register of Departures

Departure of Note

Aleta Mitchell

No plate on record.

Aleta Mitchell was an American actress known for her Broadway work and film roles such as in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “The Serpent and the Rainbow,” and “Malcolm X.”

1 Report

Sources Cited

  1. Aleta Mitchell — WikipediaWikipediaReference

Particulars

Aleta Mitchell, born Sharon Aleta Haskell on February 12, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, built a distinguished career on stage, notably originating the role of Dussie Mae in the Broadway production of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” in 1984‑85. She also appeared in numerous off‑Broadway and regional productions, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

In film, Mitchell earned recognition for supporting roles in acclaimed movies of the 1980s and 1990s, including “The Serpent and the Rainbow,” “Valmont,” and Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X.” Her television work featured guest appearances on series such as “The Cosby Show,” “The Equalizer,” and multiple episodes of the “Law & Order” franchise, further cementing her presence in American entertainment.

Mitchell continued to act in theater and screen projects into the 2000s, with later roles in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and the series “The Jury.” She passed away on April 14, 2026, in Branford, Connecticut, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of diverse performances across stage, film, and television.

Compiled from source reports and Wikipedia. Automated record.