Acting

2022

as Self

2021

as Self

2020

as herself

2018		Becky and the Birds as Self (voice) (archive footage) (uncredited)
2018		Words Are Things as Narrator (voice)
2018		Mr. SOUL! as Self (archival footage)

2017

(1 episode) as Self (archive footage)

2016

as Herself (archive footage)

2015

as Self

2014

as Self

2012

as Self

2011

2010

as Self

2009		Good Hair as Herself
2009		The Black Candle as Herself (Narration)

2008

as Herself

2006

as May

2005

(1 episode) as Self

2004

(1 episode) as Self

2003

as Self

1999		The Unfinished Journey as Self
1999		The Early Show (2 episodes) as Self

1998		Quincy Jones...The First 50 Years as Self
1998		The Enchanted Island Madagascar: The Living Edens as Narrator

1997		The Gregory Hines Show (1 episode) as Self
1997		Perfect Moment as Herself

1996		Sesame Street: Elmo Saves Christmas as Narrator (voice)
1996		The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1 episode) as Self
1996		Moesha (1 episode)
1996		Angelou on Burns

1995		How to Make an American Quilt as Anna
1995		Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1 episode) as Fairy Godmother (voice)

1994		Touched by an Angel (1 episode) as Clarice Mitchell
1994		Sesame Street All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever! as Self (archive footage)
1994		Malcolm X: Make It Plain as Self

1993		There Are No Children Here as Lelia Mae
1993		Intimate Portrait (1 episode) as Self (archive footage)
1993		Poetic Justice as Aunt June

1992

as Anchor

1989

as Self

1987

as Self

1986

(1 episode) as Self

1977		The Richard Pryor Show (5 episodes)
1977		The Richard Pryor Special? as Willie's Wife
1977		Roots (1 episode) as Nyo Boto

1971

(1 episode) as Self

1959

as Dancer

1957

1951

(1 episode) as Conjure woman