Cherlynne Theresa "Lynne" Thigpen (December 22, 1948 – March 12, 2003) was an American actor and singer. She was known for her stage and screen roles, most notably The Chief on the game show Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego and the voice of Luna the Moon on Bear in the Big Blue House.
Thigpen was a high school English teacher initially before deciding to transition to acting full time, following up from when she acted in community theater in university. Her first role was in the musical Godspell, and she reprised the role in the film adaptation. She continued to act in theatre and in film for several years before being approached for the role as The Chief in Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, as the producers for the show originally envisioned her when they created the character. Thigpen initially balked at the offer, due to the intense filming schedule. The show auditioned several actresses, but when it became clear that the role was made for Thigpen, she would change her mind after meeting with Howard Blumenthal and Greg Lee. Thigpen played The Chief for five seasons and reprised the role in Where In Time Is Carmen Sandiego. She also played The Chief in Live-Action Cutscenes for three of the Carmen Sandiego computer games.
Thigpen would continue to act in film, television and theatre (winning a Tony Award in 1997). Sadly, after suffering from headaches for a few days prior, she passed away on March 12, 2003, of a cerebral hemorrhage. She was survived by her long-time partner, Larry Aronson.
Selected Filmography
Film
- Godspell (1973) - Lynne
- The Warriors (1979) - DJ
- Tootsie (1982)- Jo
- Streets of Fire (1984) - Subway Motorwoman
- Walls Of Glass (1985) - Woman Cop
- Sweet Liberty (1986) - Claire
- Hello Again (1987) - Reporter #2
- Running on Empty (1988) - Contact at Eldridge St.
- Lean on Me (1989) - Leonna Barrett
- Impulse (1990) - Dr. Gardner
- Article 99 (1992) - Nurse White
- Bob Roberts (1992) - Kelly Noble
- Naked In New York (1993) - Helen
- The Paper (1994) - Janet
- Blankman (1994) - Grandma Walker
- Just Cause (1995) - Ida Conklin
- Random Hearts (1999) - Phyllis Bonaparte
- The Insider (1999) - Mrs. Williams
- Bicentennial Man (1999) - President Marjorie Bota
- Shaft (2000) - Carla Howard
- Novocaine (2001) - Pat
- Anger Management (2003) - Judge Brenda Daniels, posthumous release
Live-Action Televison
- All My Children (1983-2000) - Flora Baxter/Grace Keefer, recurring role
- Gimme a Break! (1985-1986) - Loretta Harper, 3 episodes
- thirtysomething (1989) - Rosie, recurring role
- FM (1989-1990) - Naomi Sayers, main role
- The Cosby Show (1991) - Mrs. Hudson, 2 episodes
- Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego (1991-1995) - The Chief, main role
- L.A. Law (1991-1992) - D.A. Ruby Thomas, recurring role
- Loving (1992) - Judge Hall, 2 episodes
- Law & Order (1995-1999) - Trial Judge Ida Boucher, 3 episodes
- Where In Time Is Carmen Sandiego (1996-1997) - The Chief, main role
- Bear in the Big Blue House (1997-2003) - Luna, voice role
- Homicide: Life on the Street (1997) - Regina Wilson, 3 episodes
- Sesame Street (1998) - WASA Training Officer, 2 episodes
- Cosby (1998) - Linda/Dr. Holmes, 2 episodes
- The District (2000-2003) - Ella Farmer, main role
Video Games
- Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego (1996 version) - The Chief, live-action cutscenes
- Where in the U.S.A. Is Carmen Sandiego? (1996 version) - The Chief, live-action cutscenes
- Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego? (1997 version) - The Chief, live-action cutscenes
Theatre
- Godspell (1972)
- The Magic Show (1974-1978)
- The Night That Made America Famous (1975)
- Working (1978) - Diane Wilson, Heather Lamb, Jo Anne Robinson, Maggie Holmes
- But Never Jam Today (1979) - Persona Non Grata
- Tintypes (1980-1981)
- Fences (1987-1988)
- A Month Of Sundays (1987) - Mrs. Baker
- An American Daughter (1997) - Judith B. Kaufman
