Irma P. Hall, ‘Soul Food’ and ‘The Ladykillers’ Actress, Dies at 91

Irma P. Hall, the actress best known as Big Mama in the 1997 film “Soul Food”, has died aged 91, her family confirmed. Her career spanned film, television and education, and she became a full-time actor after years as a language teacher.

Born in Beaumont, Texas, and raised in Chicago, Hall graduated from Texas College in 1956 and taught French, Spanish and other languages in Houston and Dallas. She began acting full time in 1984, later earning an NAACP Image Award for “Soul Food” and a Jury Prize at Cannes in 2004 for “The Ladykillers”; her other credits included “Backdraft”, “Mo’ Money” and guest roles on television.