Anna Maria Horsford: A Timeless Legend in Hollywood**

Anna Maria Horsford’s career, spanning over five decades, is a testament to resilience and talent. Born on March 6, 1947, in Harlem, New York City, to Victor Horsford, a real estate broker from the Dominican Republic, and Lillian Agatha Horsford from Antigua, Anna grew up in a vibrant household of five children.

Immersed in Caribbean culture and strict values, her formative years in Harlem during the 1950s and 60s were filled with street music and hustle, shaping her authentic storytelling. She attended Wadleigh Junior High and the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, honing her craft amidst aspiring dancers and actors.

After high school, Anna took an unexpected path, moving to Stockholm, Sweden, for college, seeking a fresh perspective. Upon graduating, she quickly landed a job at the Shakespeare Festival, marking the start of her acting journey.

Her first significant role came through the Harlem Youth for Change program, performing in *Coriolanus* at Joe Papp’s Public Theater in Central Park. From there, the stage captivated her, and she began representing her roots and culture in every character she portrayed.

Anna’s breakthrough arrived in 1986 with her role as Thelma Frye on the NBC sitcom *Amen*. Set in a Black church in Philadelphia, alongside Sherman Hemsley, her portrayal of the preacher’s daughter was funny, smart, and heartfelt, making her the soul of the show. She transformed a potentially forgettable role into an unforgettable one.

Later, she flipped expectations by playing Dee Baxter, the stoic yet lovable security guard on *The Wayans Bros.*, becoming iconic for her dry humor and comedic timing.

In 1995, Anna cemented her legacy with *Friday*, playing Mrs. Jones, the no-nonsense mother of Ice Cube’s character. With minimal screen time, her comedic timing and motherly authority resonated deeply, especially with audiences familiar with that stern “don’t try me” look.

She reprised the role in *Friday After Next*, proving her ability to dominate every scene. Beyond comedy, Anna excelled in drama, joining *The Bold and the Beautiful* as Vivian Avant, earning two Daytime Emmy nominations for her raw, emotional performance.

Her resume is vast, with guest spots on shows like *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, *Grey’s Anatomy*, and *Everybody Hates Chris*, alongside films such as *Set It Off* and *Along Came a Spider*.

Anna’s consistency is remarkable—over 40 years of meaningful roles without scandal, just quality work. Off-screen, she’s equally impactful, dedicating herself to community service, mental health advocacy, and mentoring young creatives, particularly in underserved communities.

At 78 in 2025, Anna continues to work, defying age with grace and a net worth estimated between $500,000 and $1 million. Married to Daniel Wolf, she keeps her personal life private, focusing on purpose over fame. Her legacy as a cornerstone of Black entertainment echoes through actresses like Viola Davis, proving true greatness lies in impact and authenticity.