Now Reading: Teri Bridgett: “Original Pittsburgh Icon”

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Teri Bridgett: “Original Pittsburgh Icon”

October 10, 20195 min read

Teri Bridgett

“Original Pittsburgh Icon”

It is with great sadness we report learning of the passing of Pittsburgh Icon Actress/Singer Teri Bridgett known to many of us as “Ma Teri”

In this episode, ABOG Salutes the life and legacy of Teri who transitioned this life on October 6, 2019. Teri was loved by all whom have had the pleasure of knowing her whether it was in personal life or through the love of the entertainment arts, a passion for which she dedicated her life to the very end!

Her Bio on IMDb states: Teri Bridgett is an actress, known for Rehabilitation of the Hill a film by Demetrius Wren (2018).  Rehabilitation of the Hill follows two quirky, headstrong women from opposing backgrounds as they battle over their vision for an urban neighborhood in Pittsburgh while begrudgingly falling in love.

But those who know her Journey know also that it could not be covered in an article, let alone a short Entertainment Site bio.

Her other works include various productions of the renowned playwright August Wilson.

Where we embark on that journey is with her beginnings in Pittsburgh, Pa. where she made the most impact not only through her career, but also as a dedicated Wife, and Mother to her wonderful children who are the “Greatest Beneficiaries” to carry on her Legacy!

Photo Credit Mark Clayton Southers

Legacy describes the impact this woman of “Grace & Esteem” had on Life.

According to Mark Clayton Southers Founder and Producing Artistic Director Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, “She brought to life August Wilson’s Ma Rainey during our very first season, as well as Louise in his Seven Guitars in two different productions. She also graced the stage as Bertha in our only production ever of Mr. Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.”

A Wilsonian Actor who graced many stages here in Pittsburgh including New Horizon and the Kuntu Repertory Theater, “her remarkable voice made her characters seem so rich. Whenever she appeared in any of our one-act plays during our Theatre Festival in Black and White, she elevated not only the material but her fellow actors as well” reported Southers. “Ma Teri” also was part of the programming staff at Vintage Senior Center in East Liberty.

Teri was also an accomplished songstress performing in various well-known groups like the “Morning Glorys”, a Gospel Sextet consisting of members Sarah Smith, Daisy Lloyd, Betty Boswell, Alma Bruce, Carolyn Harp (Now Carolyn Whittiker), and of course Teri Bridgett. The group made a name for themselves performing throughout the United States.

Photo Credit Carolyn Whittiker

Say’s Carolyn Whittiker when asked about Teri “She was a very talented lead and dynamic Tenor who brought Joy to the group with her presence.” “She was not only a lifelong friend but more like a sister to me.”

 “She had a way of making everyone feel so special,” said her daughter, Tamiah Bridgett. “When she would introduce herself to my friends or people younger than her, she would say, ‘Hello, I’m Ma Teri,’ and disarmed them. She immediately became a mother figure.”

Despite struggling from hip and knee surgery and other debilitating symptoms, , Teri  managed to continue her love for activities such as dancing, gardening, and most importantly serving as a source of inspiration for others facing similar circumstances.

Her husband, Vernon Wilson, her daughter, Tamiah Bridgett of Wilkinsburg, and son Edward Azeem of West End, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, godchildren, nieces and nephews and a great multitude of friends and fans, survives her!

ABOG Salutes Teri Bridgett AKA “Ma Teri” as the “Original Pittsburgh Icon”. We will continue to cherish her legacy!

Lamar Coaston Jr. is Director of Internet Marketing for www.alwaysbeog.com For all media requests as well as info on being featured on our site, contact him directly at [email protected]

Baariboy

Artist, photographer and blogger.

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