The groundbreaking show that helped spark a craze for miniseries, “Roots”, based on Alex Haley’s novel, is one of the most-watched series in television history, with around 100 million people tuned in for the final alone. Tyson has often said that no matter what other roles she took on, people would always know her as Binta, her “Roots” character. As the mother of Kunta Kinte, Tyson only had a few scenes, but they were essential in laying the groundwork for the story, which helped make the ugliness of slavery real for mass audiences.
Post it on DirecTV; buy it on Amazon, Fandango now, google play, Seen and Youtube.
‘Saturday Night Live’ (1979)
Before anyone could accuse Tyson of lack of prestige television humor, she poked fun at her own image during her stint as the first black woman to host “Saturday Night Live.” Due to the show’s lack of diversity at the time, that meant it shared a lot of sketches (and a monologue) with the only black cast member at the time, Garrett Morris (who also did a knockoff. by Tyson). At their best, they bicker and joke about racial issues – the Token Minority Window-Dressing Act, the Black Resentment Drama Workshop. Bonus: Tyson sings!
Post it on Peacock and Hulu.
‘Fried green tomatoes’ (1991)
As Sipsey, Tyson turns out to be the secret weapon in a movie that ostensibly deals with relationships between other women – a love story and friendship between Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth (Mary- Louise Parker), as told by Ninny (Jessica Tandy) to Evelyn (Kathy Bates), who then becomes inspired to change her own life. Sipsey is the mother figure to her own family as well as a white woman, and Tyson gives the character a quiet ferocity that may surprise you. This certainly surprises the local Klansmen.
Rent it on Amazon, Fandango now, google play, itunes, Seen and Youtube.
‘Help’ (2011)
In this popular adaptation of the 2009 novel by Kathryn Stockett, Tyson must fight for attention in a heavy cast with famous (and Oscar nominated) competition. She succeeds in the end with her unforgettable portrayal of Constantine, the beloved dark maid and nanny who raised white daughter Skeeter (Emma Stone), to be tragically cast aside. Despite Tyson’s brief on-screen stint, his character looms large throughout the film – and broke your heart in the end.
