2025 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Times Lynn Whitfield’s Roles Embodied Unbothered and Unapologetic
Lynn Whitfield has built an extraordinary career portraying characters who command attention, stand firm in their truth, and radiate confidence no matter the circumstances. Her latest role in “Albany Road” is no exception. Starring alongside Renée Elise Goldsberry, Whitfield is the sharp, no-nonsense ex-fiancé’s mother in this road drama.
Directed by Christine Swanson, the film follows a New York executive caught in a snowstorm who must share a rental car with none other than her former flame’s mother—a recipe for tension, humor, and heartfelt revelations.
In honor of Whitfield’s NAACP Image Awards 2025 nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, we’re celebrating five iconic times her roles have embodied unbothered and unapologetic energy.
From fierce matriarchs to unapologetic women redefining the rules, these performances remind us why Lynn Whitfield is a master of range in the industry.
Dorothea Garibaldi / The Cheetah Girls Series
As Galleria "Bubbles" Garibaldi’s stylish and supportive mother, Whitfield brought elegance and a grounding presence to the Disney Channel hit. She showed that even in a lighthearted family film, she could deliver a performance full of heart and class, making her character a favorite for fans of all ages.
Mary Walker / How to Get Away with Murder
Whitfield shines as Mary Walker, the sharp-tongued mother of Michaela Pratt's fiancé, Aiden, in season one of “How to Get Away with Murder.”
Though her screen time is limited, viewers can’t forget the unforgettable restaurant scene where Mary tracks Michaela down with a premarital agreement in hand, demanding her signature to protect the Walker family’s wealth.
Lady Mae Greenleaf / Greenleaf
Nobody could command a room like Lady Mae Greenleaf. As the matriarch of the Greenleaf family, Whitfield delivered sharp one-liners, steely glares, and powerhouse speeches that left no doubt about who was in charge.
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Brandi Web / A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Whitfield’s role as Brandi Web is the ultimate cautionary tale: don’t play games with a woman who knows her worth. In this cult classic, opposite the iconic Martin Lawrence,
the star is an obsessed lover who’s out to prove that even heartbreak can be a weapon when wielded correctly.
Alicia / The Chi
The actress delivers a must-see performance as the old-money matriarch Alicia in “The Chi.” Whether leveraging her wealth or subtly manipulating those around her, Alicia's determination to get what she wants is chilling.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.
