Actress Irma P. Hall, Known for 'Soul Food' and 'The Ladykillers,' Dies at 91

Irma P. Hall, the actress known for portraying Josephine “Big Mama” Joseph in the 1997 film “Soul Food,” has died at 91. Her family confirmed she died on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.

Life and Career

Hall was born Irma Dolores Player on June 3, 1935, in Beaumont, Texas. She was raised in Chicago and graduated from Texas College in 1956. She worked as a high school teacher for 27 years, teaching French, Spanish and other languages in Houston and Dallas, before she began acting full time in 1984.

Her first role was as Georgia Brown in the 1973 independent film “Book of Numbers,” directed by Raymond St. Jacques. She was performing a poem when he scouted her and offered her the role on the spot.

Notable Roles and Awards

Hall appeared in several films and TV shows, including “Backdraft” in 1991, “Mo’ Money” in 1992, “A Family Thing” in 1996, “Beloved” in 1998, “Collateral” in 2004 and Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” in 2008.

She received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture in 1998 for her role as Big Mama in “Soul Food.” She later reprised the role in the Showtime series based on the film.

In 2004, she received a Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance opposite Tom Hanks in “The Ladykillers.” She also made guest appearances on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Game” and “Chicago Fire.”

Family Statement

Her family released a statement describing her as “a beloved actress, author, poet, educator and public speaker whose contributions touched countless lives throughout her remarkable career.” The statement added that her “legacy of talent, dedication and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Survivors include her daughter, Irma Hall Crayton, as well as her children and grandchildren.

---

Sources

• variety.com: Irma P. Hall Dead: 'Soul Food' Actress was 91
• hollywoodreporter.com: Irma P. Hall Dead: 'Soul Food,' 'Ladykillers' Actress Was 91
• fox2detroit.com: Irma P. Hall, ‘Soul Food’ actress, reportedly dies at 91 | FOX 2 Detroit
• people.com: Irma P. Hall, ‘Soul Food’ Actress, Dies at 91
• thatericalper.com: Irma P. Hall, Screen Matriarch Who Played Big Mama Joe in ‘Soul Food’ and Won at Cannes for ‘The Ladykillers,’ Dies at 91 - That Eric Alper
• yahoo.com: Irma P. Hall, beloved ‘Soul Food’ actress who played Big Mama, dies at 91

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.