Soul Food Actress Irma P. Hall Dies at 91 in Dallas, Texas

Irma P. Hall, the veteran American actress celebrated for her role in the 1997 film Soul Food, died on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Dallas, TexasHall's family confirmed her passing in a statement, describing her as a beloved actress, educator, poet and public speakerBefore her decades-long acting career, Hall spent years as a teacher before a chance encounter changed the course of her lifePAY ATTENTION: Mark YEN.com.gh as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!

Irma P. Hall, the veteran American actress who captivated audiences for decades and became a household name through her portrayal of Big Mama in the beloved 1997 film 'Soul Food', has died at the age of 91.

Soul Food actress Irma P. Hall dies at 91 in Dallas, Texas. Image credit: TVOne Source: FacebookHer passing was confirmed on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, with reports indicating she died the previous day, on Tuesday, 10 November, in Dallas, Texas.

Hall's family released a statement acknowledging her death, though no cause was disclosed.

They remembered her as a cherished actress, author, poet, educator and public speaker whose impact stretched far beyond the screen.

Richard Anderson dead: List of TV3 Mentor stars who have passed away

PAY ATTENTION: Follow YEN's WhatsApp channel for a daily dose of breaking news on the go!

Born Irma Dolores Player Hall on 3 June 1935 in Beaumont, Texas, she later relocated with her family to Chicago before eventually settling in Dallas.

Her early ambitions pointed firmly towards education. She attended Briar Cliff College in Iowa before completing her studies at Texas College, where she concentrated on foreign language education.

For years, she taught English and foreign languages at schools across Dallas.

Her path into acting came by chance. In 1973, actor and filmmaker Raymond St. Jacques spotted her during a poetry reading and offered her a part in his film 'Book of Numbers'.

That single invitation launched a career spanning several decades across film, television and theatre.

Hall's most iconic role came in the 1997 family drama 'Soul Food', where she played Josephine 'Big Mama Joe' Joseph.

‘Mike Hammer’ star Stacy Keach dies at 85 as wife confirms sad news

The performance resonated deeply with viewers and earned her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.

The Hollywood actress went on to appear in a string of notable productions, including A Family Thing, Nothing to Lose, Beloved, Collateral, and Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns.

In 2004, her work in 'The Ladykillers' brought her international recognition, winning her a Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Beyond her screen work, Hall dedicated part of her life to building arts infrastructure in her community.

She played a significant role in establishing the Dallas Minority Repertory Theatre, extending her contribution to the performing arts well past her personal career.

Her death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in American entertainment, leaving behind a legacy shaped by talent, purpose and an unwavering commitment to her craft.

The X post announcing the death of Irma P. Hall is below.

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on veteran actor Stacy Keach, who died at 85 after a prolonged battle with heart disease. His wife confirmed his death at the family home in Poland and paid tribute to his courage and enduring spirit.

Donnie Dunagan: Voice of young Bambi dies at 92, tributes pour in

Keach became widely known as private investigator Mike Hammer, but his career also included acclaimed stage and film work. After serving time in prison in 1984, he spoke openly about addiction and went on to work in film and television for decades.

Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!

Grace Asare (Entertainment Editor) Grace Appiah Asare is an Entertainment Editor at YEN.com.gh. She holds a bachelor’s degree. She has more than five years of experience as a journalist and has worked with Scooper News and Opera News, where she produced engaging news content focusing on entertainment and politics. Grace also offered volunteer services at Tales of Africa, where she produced several articles highlighting African talents. She joined yen.com.gh in 2026. Contact: grace.asare@yen.com.gh