She co-starred in the 2007 thriller film Cover starring Aunjanue Ellis, and in later years worked in low-profile independent movies. She also played the role of Billie Holiday on the episode of Touched by an Angel in 2000, and later guest starred on The Shield, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, My Name Is Earl, and The Mentalist. įrom 2001 to 2005, Parker voiced the matriarch Trudy Proud in the Disney Channel animated comedy series, The Proud Family and its 2005 film The Proud Family Movie. She later was cast opposite Howard in musical film Idlewild (2006). Her breakthrough was in the 2005 independent drama Hustle & Flow starring Terrence Howard. In 2004, she played the lesbian woman in the LGBT comedy-drama, She Hate Me, and appeared as Ruth Brown in biographical film Ray. In the early 2000s, Parker co-starred in 30 Years to Life, High Crimes, Phone Booth, and My Baby's Daddy. She has appeared in the 1995 horror anthology Tales from the Hood, Spike Lee's Million Man March drama Get on the Bus (1996), the urban comedy Sprung (1997), Jada Pinkett Smith starring romantic comedy Woo (1997), the Frankie Lymon biography, Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998). ĭuring the 1990s, Parker had supporting roles in a number of films.

Kelley's ABC comedy-drama, Snoops (1999). Throughout the 1990s, she appeared in several short-lived shows, including CBS sitcom The Weird Al Show (1997), and David E.

Later that year, Parker returned to television in the WB sitcom, The Wayans Bros. In the same year, she earned a Cable ACE Award for her role in the HBO anthology presentation, Cosmic Slop. In 1995, Parker made her film debut in the F. From 1992 to 1993, she performed on the FOX comedy program The Apollo Comedy Hour, filmed live at the legendary Apollo Theater, and later was cast member on the short-lived sketch show, Townsend Television. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she moved to New York City and played a number of clubs. Parker was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but moved to Washington, D.C.

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