Cast and Crew of The Color Purple

Cast of
The Color Purple

About The Color Purple

It's about life. It's about love. It's about us.

"The Color Purple" is a powerful and moving film that explores the life of Celie Harris Johnson, played by the talented Whoopi Goldberg. The story takes place in the South and covers a significant period of forty years in Celie's life. As an African-American woman, Celie faces unimaginable hardships and prejudice, but her resilience and determination to overcome her circumstances are truly inspiring.

The film begins with Celie's father arranging her marriage to Albert Johnson, also known as "Mister," played by Danny Glover. This marriage is anything but a happy union, as Mister is just as abusive and debasing as Celie's father. Celie's life is a series of painful experiences, but she finds solace in her friendship with Shug Avery, a blues singer and Mister's mistress. Through her relationship with Shug, Celie begins to find her voice and stand up for herself, realizing that she deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

As the story progresses, Celie's dreams of reuniting with her sister in Africa keep her going. She endures years of abuse and hardship, but her spirit remains unbroken. The film is a testament to the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity, and it highlights the importance of friendship, love, and self-discovery. With its powerful performances, poignant storytelling, and beautiful cinematography, "The Color Purple" is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great cinema.

Full Cast of The Color Purple

Whoopi Goldberg
plays Celie Harris Johnson

Whoopi Goldberg as Celie Harris Johnson
Whoopi Goldberg's performance as Celie Harris Johnson in 'The Color Purple' is nothing short of extraordinary. Goldberg, in her film debut, brings an incredible depth and vulnerability to the character, making her transformation from a timid, abused young woman to a confident, self-assured individual all the more powerful. Her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and grace is truly commendable, and her portrayal of Celie's resilience in the face of adversity is both moving and inspiring. Goldberg's performance earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, and it's easy to see why - she truly shines in this role. See Whoopi Goldberg's other roles

Danny Glover
plays Albert Johnson ('Mister')

Danny Glover as Albert Johnson ('Mister')
Danny Glover delivers a powerful and moving performance as Albert Johnson, also known as 'Mister', in the film 'The Color Purple'. His portrayal of the complex character, who evolves from a stern and abusive husband to a more understanding and compassionate man, is both nuanced and heartfelt. Glover's ability to convey the inner turmoil and eventual transformation of his character is a testament to his exceptional acting skills. His performance adds depth and emotion to the film, making it a memorable and impactful cinematic experience. See Danny Glover's other roles

Margaret Avery
plays Shug Avery

Margaret Avery as Shug Avery
Margaret Avery's portrayal of Shug Avery in 'The Color Purple' is a standout performance that adds depth and complexity to the film. Avery brings a captivating presence to the screen, embodying the character's charisma, vulnerability, and resilience. Her nuanced portrayal of Shug's struggle with her past and her journey towards self-discovery and redemption is both moving and inspiring. Avery's powerful singing voice also adds another layer to her performance, showcasing Shug's talent and passion for music. Overall, Margaret Avery's performance as Shug Avery is a highlight of 'The Color Purple' and a testament to her skill as an actress. See Margaret Avery's other roles

Oprah Winfrey
plays Sofia Johnson

Oprah Winfrey as Sofia Johnson
Oprah Winfrey's performance as Sofia Johnson in "The Color Purple" is a standout, showcasing her exceptional acting skills. As a strong-willed and independent woman, Winfrey brings a fierce energy to the role, portraying Sofia's unwavering spirit even in the face of adversity. Her powerful screen presence and emotive expressions beautifully capture Sofia's resilience and determination, making her character one of the most memorable in the film. Winfrey's performance is a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress, earning her a well-deserved nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. See Oprah Winfrey's other roles

Willard E. Pugh
plays Harpo Johnson

Willard E. Pugh as Harpo Johnson
In the movie 'The Color Purple', Willard E. Pugh delivers a memorable performance as Harpo Johnson. Pugh's portrayal of Harpo, the son of the abusive Albert, showcases his range as an actor, capturing the character's transformation from a meek and obedient son to a man finding his own path. Pugh's performance is nuanced, balancing humor and vulnerability, making Harpo a standout character in this powerful and moving film. See Willard E. Pugh's other roles

Akosua Busia
plays Nettie Harris

Akosua Busia as Nettie Harris
Akosua Busia delivers a captivating performance as Nettie Harris in the movie 'The Color Purple'. Her portrayal of the intelligent and compassionate Nettie, who is Celie's sister and confidante, adds depth and warmth to the story. Busia's nuanced acting, filled with genuine affection and empathy, beautifully captures Nettie's unwavering love and loyalty towards her sister. Her performance is a testament to her talent and skill, making her character a memorable and beloved part of the film. See Akosua Busia's other roles

Desreta Jackson
plays Young Celie Harris

Adolph Caesar
plays Old Mister

Rae Dawn Chong
plays Squeak (Mary Agnes)

Rae Dawn Chong as Squeak (Mary Agnes)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Rae Dawn Chong (born February 28, 1961) is a Canadian-American actress. Descr...

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Dana Ivey
plays Miss Millie

Leonard Jackson
plays Alphonso "Pa" Harris

Bennet Guillory
plays Grady

Bennet Guillory as Grady

Bennet Guillory was born on November 7, 1949 and is currently 74 years old.

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John Patton Jr.
plays Preacher

Carl Anderson
plays Reverend Samuel

Susan Beaubian
plays Corrine

James Tillis
plays Henry "Buster" Broadnax

Phillip Strong
plays Mayor

Laurence Fishburne
plays Swain

Laurence Fishburne as Swain

Laurence John Fishburne III (born July 30, 1961) is an American actor and producer. He has been critically hailed for...

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Peto Kinsaka
plays Adam

Lelo Masamba
plays Olivia

Margaret Freeman
plays Odessa

Howard Starr
plays Young Harpo

Daphaine Oliver
plays Young Olivia

Jadili Johnson
plays Young Adam

Lillian Njoki Distefano
plays Young Tashi

Donna Buie
plays Daisy

Leon Rippy
plays Store Clerk

Leon Rippy as Store Clerk

Leon Rippy (born October 30, 1949, Rock Hill, South Carolina) is an American character actor. Active on screen since ...

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John R. Hart
plays Mailman

David Thomas
plays Road Gang Leader

Carrie Murphy
plays Loretta

Juliet Poe
plays Church Sister

Katie Simon
plays Church Sister

Ethel Taylor
plays Church Sister

Marcus Covington
plays Boy

Marcus Liles
plays Boy

April Myers
plays Emma

Maurice Moore
plays Child #1

Lechanda Latharp
plays Child #2

Drew Bundini Brown
plays Jook Joint Patron

Arnold F. Turner
plays Jook Joint Patron

Jeris Poindexter
plays Jook Joint Patron

Hawthorne James
plays Jook Joint Patron

Sonny Terry
plays Jook Joint Musician

Greg Phillinganes
plays Jook Joint Musician

Roy Gaines
plays Jook Joint Musician

Paulinho da Costa
plays African Musician

Nana Yaw Asiedu
plays African Musician

Clarence Avant
plays African Musician

Bayo Martin
plays African Musician

Ndugu Chandler
plays African Musician

Jeffrey Kwashi
plays African Musician

Pete Munzhi
plays African Musician

Aniijia Rae Schockley
plays African Musician

Maria Howell
plays Church Choir Soloist (uncredited)

Gayle King
plays Church-goer (uncredited)

Gayle King as Church-goer (uncredited)

Gayle King was born on December 28, 1954 and is currently 69 years old.

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Crew of The Color Purple

Discover the backstage crew of The Color Purple →