The Chief's Biography

Lynne Thigpen was a celebrated American actress and singer, known for her powerful stage presence and distinctive voice. Born on December 22, 1948, in Joliet, Illinois, Thigpen began her career after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She made her Broadway debut in the original production of 'Godspell' in 1971, quickly establishing herself as a versatile and talented performer. Thigpen is perhaps best remembered for her iconic role as 'The Chief' in the educational game show 'Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?', where her commanding presence and memorable catchphrases made her a beloved figure to a generation of children. She also starred as Grace Keole on the CBS drama 'The District' and lent her voice to numerous animated series and audiobooks, earning acclaim for her narration skills. Thigpen's stage work earned her a Tony Award in 1997 for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in 'An American Daughter'. Known for using her platform to encourage education and inspire young people, Thigpen left a lasting legacy in the worlds of theater, television, and children's programming. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 54, but her impact endures through her memorable roles and contributions to the arts.