Leslie Uggams appeared in the season finale of New Amsterdam last night, playing Dr. Floyd Reynolds’ mother. Dr. Reynolds was planning on popping the question to Evie, but his mother was not supportive and did not give her blessing. Regardless, the two ended up engaged.
Prior to the episode airing on NBC, Uggams confirmed the news that she would be on New Amsterdam and promised that she would not be as crazy as Mama Leah on Empire – but added that this character did have her moments.
“Just a quick note to let everyone know I’ll be on New Amsterdam tomorrow night (Tuesday, May 14) at 10 pm. I play Dr. Reynolds’ mama. I’m not crazy like Mama Leah on Empire Fox but I have my moments!” she wrote in a Facebook post on Monday, promoting her upcoming role on the show.
“Is this a recurring role for you??” one person asked on her Facebook post, with another hoping it was a recurring role, adding, “I thought that was you! You look great!!! Your neighbor on the 8th floor. Hope to see you on it next season!”
“Wow that’s awesome and my favorite show…I look forward to seeing you in the show,” a third fan replied to her Facebook post.
IMDb has Leslie Uggams listed in the episode Luna, which was the season finale for New Amsterdam. However, there’s no character information or any upcoming episodes listed. That means, we can’t confirm whether this will be a recurring role at this point.
Uggams was born on May 25, 1943, in New York. Her professional work as an actress and singer began in the 1960s. Throughout her career, she’s been on Roots, Backstairs at the White House, Hotel, The Love Boat, The Cosby Show, Under One Roof, All My Children, The Good Wife, and Nurse Jackie.
Even though fans may recognize her from movies such as Deadpool, Deadpool 2, and Roots, and for her role as Mama Leah Walker on Empire, she actually has an impressive singing career as well.
She has worked on the soundtrack for many television shows, including Empire. She’s also been a performer at the Tony Awards for several years.
Leslie Uggams is a board member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and TADA, a children’s musical theatre, dedicating her professional expertise to the arts. She’s also busy in the charity world, founding the BRAVO Chapter/City of Hope charity, which is dedicated to the study, treatment, and eradication of all blood-related diseases.
Uggams won Broadway’s 1968 Tony Award for Best Actress for Hallelujah, Baby! and she gained another nomination in 2001 for Best Actress in a Play for King Hedley II.
Uggams is married to Grahame Pratt and has two children. The two got married on October 16, 1965.
New Amsterdam will return in the fall with Season 2 on NBC.