Hope Clarke obit

Tony Nominated Choreographer and Actor Hope Clarke Dies at 85

Her choreography for George C. Wolfe's Jelly's Last Jam earned her a Tony Award nomination, a Joseph Calloway Award, a Drama-Logue Award, and an NAACP Image Award.

 She was not on the list.

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Tony-nominated choreographer and performer Hope Clarke passed away on July 23, 2026 at age 85. Clarke had a long five-decade career across American theater, dance, film, and television.

Born in Washington, D.C. on March 23, 1941, Clarke began her career as a principal dancer with both the Katherine Dunham Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, touring internationally and captivating audiences worldwide. On Broadway, she starred in foundational productions including the original national tour of West Side Story, Purlie, Hallelujah, Baby!, and Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.

As a choreographer and director, Clarke made history. Her choreography for George C. Wolfe's Jelly's Last Jam earned her a Tony Award nomination, a Joseph Calloway Award, a Drama-Logue Award, and an NAACP Image Award. Her extensive creative output spanned over 30 shows on and off Broadway, including Spunk, The Colored Museum, Caroline, or Change, and The Tempest. In 1995, Clarke achieved a historic milestone when she became the first African American, as well as the first African American woman, to direct and choreograph a major production of the classic opera Porgy and Bess for the Houston Grand Opera.

Her screen career encompassed memorable film roles in Sidney Poitier's A Piece of the Action (1977) and Julian Schnabel's Basquiat (1996), along with guest appearances on television series such as Hill Street Blues, Sex and the City, and The Jeffersons.

Beyond her legendary stage and screen credits, Clarke remained a passionate mentor and advocate for the dance community, co-founding the 5 Plus Ensemble to celebrate and showcase dancers over the age of 50.

She is survived by her loving sister, Barbara Clarke; nephew, Joseph Chisolm; great-nephew, Jaydon Chisolm; and great-niece, Jordon Chisolm. Her family, close friends, and loved ones express their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, condolences, and support during this difficult time.

A formal Celebration of Life honoring her extraordinary life, career, and enduring legacy will be held on September 5, 2026, with further details to follow.

TV and Film

Year     Title     Type    Role

2023    LEAP FOR JOY! In Celebration of National Dance Day      Short film, musical      Self

2023    Rustin  Film     Lucille Randolph

2019    Finding Julia   Film     Choreographer[15]

2004    Men Without Jobs       Film     Ms. Jackson

1996–2002      Law & Order   TV Series        Multiple episodes: Mrs. Marbury, Appellate Judge #2, Judge Emma Reynolds

2002    Driving Fish    Short film        Betty

2000    Seventeen Again         TV Movie        Grandma Catherine “Cat” Donovan

2002    Sex and the City          TV Series        Lee

1996    New York Undercover            TV Series        Marilyn Ferris

1996    Basquiat          Film     Matilde

1988    A Father's Homecoming         TV Movie        Doctor

1987    Amen  TV Series        Carol Wilson

1987    Angel Heart     Film     Voodoo Dancer

1985    Into the Night  Film     Airport Cop

1984    Beat Street       Film     Assistant Choreographer

1983    The New Odd Couple TV Series        Beth St. Clair

1982    Hill Street Blues          TV Series        Mrs. Reese

1982    Lois Gibbs and the Love Canal          TV Movie        Chris

1981    Maggie            TV Series        Receptionist

1981    Body and Soul Film     Choreographer

1980    Scout's Honor TV Movie        Mrs. Prewett

1978    The White Shadow     TV Series        Aunt Edna Hayward

1979    Three's Company        TV Series        Second Nurse

1979    Hart to Hart     TV Series        Teacher

1979    Miss Winslow and Son           TV Series        Cast member

1979    The Ropers      TV Series        Dr. Young

1979    Jennifer: A Woman's Story      TV Movie        Annie (secretary)

1976; 1977–1978        What's Happening!!    TV Series        Multiple episodes: Mrs. Watson, Elizabeth Duncan

1974    Good Times     TV Series        Brenda Gordon

1978    King    TV Mini Series            Multiple episodes: Mary

1975    The Jeffersons TV Series        Sherry Barnes

1977    A Piece of the Action  Film     Sarah Thomas

1973    Book of Numbers        Film     Pigmeat Goins

1971    Going Home   Film     Mother at prison

1969    Change of Mind          Film     Nancy

1968    N.Y.P.D.                      Ivy