Soul Food Actress Irma P. Hall Dies at 91

Veteran American actress Irma P. Hall, best known for playing Big Mama in the 1997 film Soul Food, has died at the age of 91.

Her family confirmed that she passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, where she lived with her relatives. However, the cause of death was not disclosed.

Before pursuing acting full-time, Hall worked as a teacher at Madison High School in the Dallas Independent School District. She later built a successful acting career, appearing in films from the 1970s through the early 2000s and continuing to take television roles until 2017.

Irma P. Hall’s Career and Major Film Roles

Hall earned recognition for her performances in several productions, including Soul Food, A Family Thing and The Ladykillers.

She received critical acclaim for playing Aunt T in the 1996 film A Family Thing. In 1998, she won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Mama Joseph in Soul Food.

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In 2004, she played Marva Munson in the remake of The Ladykillers. The film received a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival that year, while Hall earned another NAACP Image Award nomination for her performance.

Beyond acting, she was also an author, poet, educator and public speaker.

Family Pays Tribute to Late Actress

In a statement announcing her death, Hall’s family described her as a beloved figure whose work and personal contributions touched many lives.

“Her legacy of talent, dedication, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come,” the family said.

The family also thanked fans, friends and colleagues for their messages of support following the news of her passing.

Further details about a memorial service will be announced at a later date.