Minnie L. Gentry; Actress Known for ‘Cosby’ Role

Minnie L. Gentry, 77, stage, film and television actress best known as Gram Tee on “The Cosby Show.” Mrs. Gentry, born Minnie Lee Watson, grew up in Cleveland where she sang in church choirs. Through her husband, Lloyd Gentry, she joined the Gilpin Players at the Karamu Playhouse, where she performed for several decades. She detoured occasionally to Broadway to perform in such plays as “Lysistrata,” “The Blacks,” and “Amen Corner.” She had small roles in the films “Jungle Fever” and “Brother From Another Planet.” In addition to “The Cosby Show,” her television roles included Aunt Bessie on the soap opera “All My Children.” On Tuesday in New York.