LaChanze

Biography

LaChanze was born on December 16, 1961 in St. Augustine, Florida, USA as Rhonda La Chanze Sapp. She is an actress, known for The Help (2011), Hercules (1997) and Side Effects (2013). Spouse (2) Derek Fordjour (30 July 2005 - ?) (divorced) Calvin J. Gooding (August 1998 - 11 September 2001) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (6) Lost her husband to the 9/11-attacks; she was 8 months pregnant at the time Daughters (with Gooding): Celia Rose and Zaya LaChanze Nominated for Broadway's 1991 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role •Musical) for "Once on this Island." She was awarded the 2006 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Oprah Winfrey's production of "The Color Purple" based on Alice Walker's novel. Won the 2006 Tony for "Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical" for her role as "Celie" in "The Color Purple" Has one stepson from her July 2005 marriage to Derek Fordjour.