Lonette McKee - unsung pop culture icon of the 70s & 80s!

[@KarineAlourde]

“I really think it is important we have some dreams we aspire to. You have to set a goal where you want to go before you know where you’re going. I feel like we all are entitled to dream big and eventually one day they will happen.” -McKee

[@Dtzeo503]

That's a good quote

[@bobbiewright1500]

Karrine can please do a video on Esther Rolle she’s one of the dark skin actresses I look up to

[@latoyaturpin4302]

I truly agree 💯👍

[@KarineAlourde]

@@bobbiewright1500she is definitely on my list

[@davidfoley726]

She was great in Oprah Winfrey’s ,’ The Women of Brewster Place’ as the love interest of the formidable actress, dancer and singer Paula Kelly, another unsung power house.

[@taylorreed1580]

I like the original Sparkle better than the version w/ Whitney and Jordin Sparks

[@KarineAlourde]

Me too. So nostalgic 😍😍

[@tiffanylittle8225]

Me too! I love the grittyness. The remake tried to make the ending happy. I will say Mike Epps played his role well in the newer version.

[@tracymcghee5108]

Me too!! I didn't watch the one with them.

[@tstyles9690]

Most Definitely 👍👍

[@deborahtaylor9773]

ALL DAY LONG ❤❤❤❤❤

[@trancesmith]

I met Lonette on the street in NYC. It was a crowded street. I stopped her to say how much I admired her work. We talked for about 5 minutes. She was gracious and humble. I will never for get it 💐

[@Faith_Walker808]

I loved her in The Women of Brewster’s Place. She played as one half of a same sexed couple, which was groundbreaking for a predominantly black ensemble in 1985.

[@redbone8844]

Yasss I loved her in that had me in tears towards the end of the movie!

[@liljay216]

Is that the film with Oprah

[@redbone8844]

@ yes look it up on here!!

[@MaryLou913]

Definitely groundbreaking! We’d never seen anything like that. 😮

[@Royalgazlite]

Yessss

[@christinamoore4112]

Lonette sounds so much better singing than most famous singers

[@CandidlyToni]

She was a child protégée. I don’t know if that was mentioned since I just stated watching.

[@toyaJM]

The version of Sparkle is the only version I like. I also loved her in The Woman of Brewster Place.

[@AccessEntertainmentProductions]

I loved her in Jungle Fever.

[@KarineAlourde]

Me too. The movie itself is a CLASSIC 🤌🏽🤌🏽

[@AccessEntertainmentProductions]

@KarineAlourde Big time classic!

[@AbrahamIsaacMucius-d7z]

I agree, also, Happy New Year Karine!

[@commentpoliceofficer7991]

That was her?!

[@ksj4806]

She was amazing in that

[@mclark62569]

I have been a fan since Sparkle. Not only is she beautiful and very talented. Triple Threat singing and dancing and acting. She was so good is Which way is up. Then Jungle Fever was good because she has worked with some of the biggest actors at that time and held her own up with them. I think she is a true Icon and I will be a fan for life.

[@humbled92_Mister]

She could have def played Lena Horne. Loved her in Sparkle, Jungle Fever, Women of Brewsters Place, and Queen.

[@jonesing88]

Now she could have played Lena Horne.

[@donttalktomeyoureannoying8736]

Alicia Keys also could’ve as well.

[@donttalktomeyoureannoying8736]

Alicia Keys or Vanity as well

[@ladimu1]

Yes Women of Brewster Place!

[@hadarawombcare]

I LOVED her luminously tragic portrayal of Sister in Sparkle. Still one of my favorite films of all time and will forever be. She was stunning and kept me riveted to the TV as a child, reenacting all the moves and every subtle nuance of her performance by heart daily. Ms. Mckee walked so Jennifer Beals could run!

[@Expact45]

lol I was just watching sparkle on KZbin. Lonette always reminded me of Lena Horne and Vanity

[@chriscrabtree5827]

I live in Detroit Michigan and met Lonette in Southfield Michigan by accident when she was looking for directions to a relatives house during the holidays what a treat. I came in behind her and was shocked and greeted her we talked in the lady lot for over 15 minutes. I wish I had taken a picture or gotten an autograph oooh what a moment and she was corgual and talked about one of her movies I had seen on screen. Truly a cherished moment. !!!

[@cdk1473]

I loved her and all the girls in Sparkle. My mom showed me that movie before she passed. And when I went on my prom I designed my dress inspired by their dresses in Sparke. ❤

[@fortyshorty2459]

😇 ❤️ 🕊️

[@Rosedaddy7A]

From what I’ve heard; her passing was a hoax. She’s still alive

[@roselynholloway7863]

Cool dress

[@williamrichardson24]

She was a beautiful and talented actress 😍😍😍

[@donttalktomeyoureannoying8736]

I loved her as Halle Berrys mentor in Queen. Now that movie was a biracial tragedy

[@Colorbrush21]

I have the greatest respect for Lonette McKee. She is spiritually and physically healthy, writes music and plays, gardens, loves animals and nature. Her life is not consumed by Hollywood or Broadway. Her life is peaceful, well-balanced and grounded.

[@traceylennon1204]

OMG this is perfect..I hadn't thought about her but so happy that you're covering her!!

[@Elizabeth-yl3ws]

I fell in love with her as a little girl watching the movie: "Which way is up". I watched that movie over and over and thought she was so beautiful.

[@misterbee66]

She still is gorgeous.

[@patricejeasley_1974]

She's one of my favorite actresses. She deserves her flowers!!!!💐💐💐💐

[@donttalktomeyoureannoying8736]

Her face has always reminded me of Mariah Carey mixed with Denise Matthews aka Vanity, the love of Princes life

[@BetweenUandB]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!! She’s an OVER-underrated Detroit icon that’s contributed so much to film, TV, and stage. My absolute favorite! ❤️

[@danavixen6274]

So proud to say this TALENTED beauty is from my native Detroit. I was hoping you would upload a story on Lonette McKee after you had done one on the great Vonetta McGee. I loved Miss McKee in Sparkle, The Women of Brewster Place, The Cotton Club, Malcolm X and Jungle Fever.❤💐

[@Leshanicolee_]

I love Sparkle and she is beyond gorgeous!!!❤💐

[@QueenLeo888]

Ive loved Lonette since Sparkle and then Which Way Is Up! ❤

[@heyheykaykay1]

Love Lonete McKee, thank you for doing a video on this unsung beauty. She was phenomenal in Sparkle and that's one of my favorite movies 🎬

[@AriLuvDiamondz714]

Sista from Sparkle ❤❤❤❤love her elegance and beauty talented actress

[@redbone8844]

Omg I got chills and In actual tears 😢 you said you was going to do her and you didn’t disappoint Thank you Karine ❤ so so much!!!

[@KarineAlourde]

Thank you so much for the request! It was a pleasure 🥹🫶🏽❤️

[@redbone8844]

⁠​⁠@@KarineAlourde you’re so very welcome ❤ she’s one of my favorites! I got emotional because you did exactly what you said you was going to do I’m such a cry baby (Happy tears of course) ❤ I clicked so fast blessings to you Karine WE LOVE YOU!!

[@kevinmallory8414]

Karine, I would love for you to do a video on Victoria Principal. If you do research on her you would find her story to be pretty interesting.

[@Duhnitta]

One of my favs. She was so beautiful in sparkle. What can I do with this feeling. Yes ma'am❤❤

[@Jani28]

I love your channel & research. I first saw her in Brewster Place, but saw her range in Jungle Fever & of course Sparkle! She was great in Malcolm X & Atl too. I have been compared to her by a few men, what a compliment. She & her sister are underrated. Tfs her story 🌹❤

[@TheQuietStorm630]

Lonette was and is always that girl! Love her.

[@jordanbratcher6881]

Sparkle, and Women of Brewster Place! Those are my top two. Every time I see Satin staring her down while she’s on stage I’m like “No Sister … he ain’t no good!” She’s so underrated!

[@blissmaster71]

I first saw Lonette in The Cotton Club, one of my favorite movies, and as a 13 year old I was in love.

[@MsVie2012]

I thought 'Cotton Club' was a decent movie. I remember all the hype surrounding the movie but the critics didnt care for it and it didnt do well at the box office. I really like the solo Lonette sang 'Cold Winds Blow', I think. She is phenomenal! 🌺🌻🌼🌷🪻⚘️

[@LauraHawkins-j7t]

I hope Lonette McKee sees this very thoughtful write-up of her life. I absolutely agree with her view on not being better than the animals, we are on the planet to respect and care for them. 💙🌺🌷🌼

[@Charlotte66666]

A talented beauty.

[@ladimu1]

Yesssss, thank you! Lonnng overdue.

[@jennifermckoy8620]

She was also in Oprah Winfrey's Brewster Place with Robin Givens, Jackee Harry.

[@wildwaning9427]

Have always liked Lonette McKee as an actress and yes, very under-utilized. She stated she started out as a dancer and song writer and if I'm not mistaken I believe she wrote one of the songs used in Sparkel. While the movies she starred in didn't reach "cross-over" fame, they were very well received in the Blk cmty. Richard Pryor once said she was his muse and Which Way is Up shows how much fun they had during filming. 🌻🌹🌻

[@lancomenyongo7346]

She came to my school when I was in 10th Grade and spoke to our drama club. She was so sweet! Detroit stand up!

[@lcclark2862]

A beautiful, talented Icon! I grew up watching her movies. You can't be from my generation (X), and not know about the movie "Sparkle" 💖💖💖Had my mama and aunties in a chokehold! Love you Ms. Lonette💐💐💐🌼

[@TomasJay]

Don't forget she was in the movie, "The Women of Brewster Place."

[@tonytucker1]

Such a missed opportunity for her not doing a biopic of Lena Horne

[@mixeduniverse111]

She is differently underrated. She took the high road and didn't get into the wild Hollywood scene.💐💐💐💐

[@shawndamichelle537]

I grew up watching sparkle. Love her

[@michele6813virgolady]

She is so beautiful I agree with this video she was fantastic and didn’t her flowers the way she deserved I love your channel 🥰🥰🥰💕💕💕💐💐💐

[@mikemorris6285]

“Under-utilized” is the perfect word to sum up how Hollywood treated this dynamic performer…

[@mrssamiporter7070]

Thank you, thank you 💐 for doing this vid on my girl Lonette McKee. She's so beautiful and talented...much respect. 💐🥀🌹💙💜❤️🧡Loved her in Sparkle, glad she was Julie in Showboat too, actually everything I've seen her in. Glad to know she's doing so well.

[@SimplyBeingTT]

The way I clicked so fast!! Good choice! Definitely Unsung talent worthy of her flowers 💐.

[@markjohnson9485]

Lonette Mckee....a true "Dream girl"

[@valrice817]

💐 Thanks for this update! Still alive and beautiful ❤

[@bunkinbunkin]

This was wonderful 😊 I love your docs🤗 Can you do actress Denise Nichols?

[@KarineAlourde]

Yes she’s on my list ❤

[@zyrianaarenee453]

She was so talented and beautiful

[@vanessarogers4201]

Don't forget she was in The Women of Brewsters Place. Great role

[@meshajefferson9245]

I hit play so fast!!

[@SeasonedWoman1900]

My absolute fav actress, she was underrated!!

[@zroy9263]

She was breathtakingly beautiful! She was also amazingly talented as well. As a middle-aged man, I can also proudly say that I grew up in the 1970s through the 1990s watching these beautiful and talented African American women such as Lena Horne and Lonette McKee. My favorite films with Lonette McKee are The Cotton Club and Jungle Fever. She was also my physical type in terms of her ethnic background, features, and beauty as a woman. I'm happy that She's alive and well. It's a shame that she doesn't get the proper recognition today for her contributions to the entertainment industry. Thank you for this video, my Haitian sister.

[@MakaylaWilliams-y3c]

She's mixed so say you like white women

[@lena9180]

I love her! Definitely underrated! ❤❤❤

[@2008Victoriada]

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻 I grew up watching Lonette McKee on film. She is fantastic!

[@McQueenPress]

I knew after you covered Vonette McGee, Lonette McKee had to be next.

[@rintymcginty3973]

Ms McKee is the ultimate; she's been my hero & inspiration since I saw her perform in movies & on TV as a child...what ethereal beauty, what talent, what personality, what grace! It seems like she was a decent human being too & her humanity & empathy shine through in her roles. God bless her & may she enjoy many more years of a full life. 🌹🏵🌹

[@sophialorencoffee9055]

I saw her in a woody King play and also met her at the sugar bar in Manhattan she is so sweet and she still got it!

[@odysseyrose1176]

Sparkle, Women’s of Brewster‘s Place, and Queen with Halle Berry, are my top 3.

[@drsdiva]

Loved her in Sparkle and Brewsters Millions ❤

[@MissKMR]

As much as I love Irene, I always felt Lonette was the TRUE Star of the original and best Sparkle 💐💐✨

[@GearsinMotionGraphics]

Thanks so much for spotlighting this exotic beauty!, a way underrated actress and singer🎬🕛❤️🎬🎶🎶🙌

[@yoshluv7]

Great actress but under rated!!!!! I like the original Sparkle!!!!

[@zyrianaarenee453]

I am glad you said that about she fully Black “Wake up Call”

[@devinaross5935]

Thank you Karine for doing this video on the great Lonette McKee! She is fantastic yet underrated.

[@Kudos268]

What a talent! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of her before!

[@cindyc12]

Yasssss!!!! Me, my sister (RIH) and my cousin were Sparkle. Literally every weekend we popped in the VHS tape 😂 and do all the steps and still know them to this day. In my opinion, the original version of Sparkle will ALWAYS be the best. No disrespect to Jordan Sparks & Whitney but it was the worst movie ever. I do agree she hasn't received her flowers no major awards, dedications, honors as far as I know. She is absolutely gorgeous.

[@yvettebeckwith3083]

She also played the character “Jason Pitts” mother on the tv show “The Game”.

[@DeSharaDoub]

Her role in Women of Brewster Place (classic)!!! Thank you Karine for honoring her 💐

[@nalalei]

Love this woman ❤ very talented and beautiful.

[@kimberlyjackson7266]

The original sister! Great voice and beautiful

[@LaReginaPatrizia]

She is such a wonderful actress. I have seen her in so many movies.

[@deanadiedrich9304]

Good report.. l ❤ the music!!!! It doesn't overpower !

[@truthfuljones4557]

I love her life. She is a strong woman and knows who she is. 🙏💜👍🏾👏🏾🌹

[@hassanburton669]

The Legendary Lonette Mckee. I’m Very Familiar. Sparkle. Which Way is Up. Brewsters Place. Jungle Fever. Malcolm X. He Got Game..Etc.

[@traceybanks1736]

❤❤❤ her in Brewster place , jungle fever, sparkel she's so beautiful

[@znayJ]

Karine thank you for giving Lonette McKee her flowers which is much needed I’ve always thought she was very underrated as an actress💐

[@AbrahamIsaacMucius-d7z]

She was also starred in Th Women of Brewster Street.

[@EnhancedSimplicity]

Glad you did her

[@mrScififan2]

You make great biographical videos!

[@iGLOW522]

Love me some Lonnette McKee. I adored her in Women Of Brewster place. She was amazing.

[@carlitah74]

I remember watching her in a few different movies. She was a good actress.

[@myajanell2504]

she's beautiful😍 never seen original sparkle, but she is a great actress

[@ebonywhite1388]

I never knew she was from Detroit. Such a talented, beautiful woman.

[@shannoncox5071]

Sparkle is my favorite movie I loved it as a little girl and I still watch this movie. I just watched it a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for do a video on Lynette McKee 💐🌹

[@taiawatkins2701]

Forever Sparkle will be my all time fav❤

[@yahainHotPink]

Thank you Karine. Never heard of her before!!

[@rubydawnintl]

Cotton Club❣️

[@ronaldtownsend6296]

Been loving her since "Which way is up" ( a fellow Detroiter )

[@yogirlchante]

Sparkle growing up was one of my favorites. She was also great in Honey💖🫶🏾

[@brokeandnamelessnyc]

Thank you so much. I’ve requested this vid many times but I didn’t know if you would be able to because there’s not a lot info about her online.

[@Myadorsey1990]

I loved her role in "Woman of the brewsters place" she's such a beautiful woman ❤

[@kyrunya]

Omg! I love love love Lonette McKee! Baaaaby, I can watch Sparkle all day, everyday! When I first discovered that movie, I watched it every single time it came on, no matter how often it came on. I only wish I had discovered it when I was a child. It’s not a movie for kids though. 😂 I bought the dvd though. Lonnette is royalty! I don’t know why I’m thinking she did a movie with Richard Pryor. I’ll have to look it up. Anyway, let me stop rambling and watch the video. Lol! I loved Irene Cara too. She takes me back to my childhood.

[@moniwill]

Lonette! Yay! Thank you

[@ksj4806]

I love this KZbin page, such well done bios!!!

[@Nat929]

She is stunning.