From the New York Times: Lynne Thigpen, Actress in CBS's 'District,' Dies at 54 (userid: windowseat / password: weblog).

She was reportedly in good health, currently a regular on the CBS series The District. No word yet on cause of death (in the weeks since her death, I've heard various reports-- some say heart attack, other reports vary, I still haven't heard an official cause of death. If you see an article that does list one, please post a comment here).

I always loved seeing her in guest spots on TV shows including Law & Order and Homicide. She played the Chief on Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?. And she received plenty of awards and nominations for her work on the stage. She had an amazing voice, was an amazing talent, she will be missed. [heard the news via Anita's LOL]

See and/or hear Lynne Thigpen in:

:-( I adored her -- I remember when she guest starred on LA Law, and I was so damned excited -- I was telling my mom that this really nifty actress was also on Carmen Sandiego. I got the usual strange look that said, "I'm sending my son to college to watch a kid's show?" But yeah, I loved her work. She had a unique delivery.

Does anyone know the cause of death?

According to some posts to a board connected to her filmography at us.imdb.com, she died of a heart attack.

As wonderful an actress as she was I can't believe that after her death not another word has been said. I keep looking for someone/somplace to said a definite cause of death but....nothing. I'm so sorry. I watch The District every week and it absolutely won't be the same without her.

I remember Lynne as the D.J. in the movie Warriors...my kids remember her in Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego...and now my wife and I will miss her greatly in The District, one of our favorite shows.

Lynne Thigpen was one of the reasons I watch The District faithfully every week. I thought she was a wonderful actress and I really liked the part she played on the show. The only other thing I have seen her in is the new version of Shaft. I'm sure the reason we haven't heard anything as to the cause of this lovely ladies death is because of all the news about the War in Iraq. I'm sure that is taking precidence over everything these days. I couldn't believe it when they showed her singing at the end of the show and it said in Loving Memory. Her talent will be sorely missed by her peers and a lot of the fans of The District. (like me) I'm curious now as to how the writers of the show will handle her death. Surely they will not ignore her passing. Who will take care of Ricky now that his adopted mom is gone?

She had that look where you knew her face, I loved her in Random Hearts and the remake of Shaft. Her untimely death is such a shock but, perhaps she had an illness or ailment that we did not know about, like my nephew, so you just never know. Let's hope that she is at peace and in heaven.

Godspeed.

i remember her from tintypes . she was amazing. i was in awe of her voice and acting style.

Does anybody remember Lynne Thigpen in the soap opera All My Children? That is where I first saw her and I have been following her work since that time. She was a wonderful actress!

I was close to Lynne in high school, and followed her career with great pride. In all of her roles, Lynne came across as warm, genuine, kind, and loving. That is exactly the type of person she was in her teens, and she maintained that integrity throughout her career and personal life. I still can't believe she's gone.

I was also a MAJOR fan of Lynne's and still have trouble believing she's gone. After she PROMISED Ricky she would NEVER leave him (like his own mother, who was murdered), how are they EVER going to explain her death to him? He'll need counseling for the rest of his life! Also, someone told me recently that the "inside" story is that she committed suicide, which is why they're just saying "heart attack" in Hollywood because they don't want this to get out. I think that's TOTAL BUNK! She had everything in the world to live for, and I urge EVERYONE to ignore such gossip if they hear it too. She was the epitome of beauty and grace, inside and out.

Yes, I remember Lynne when she played on All My Children. She was great, as in every part she ever played! So sad to know we won't see her again!

I don't know how the District will make it without her. She was such a gift to a really good program. Life never dies Lynne, Rest in Peace

The only thing I saw her in was Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? and I thought she was good in that.

I first saw her in Godspell - what a voice. I enjoyed her work, she will be missed.

We knew Lynne personally twenty four years ago when we lived in NYC. She decidedly did not commit suicide, we are sure. However, we would be interested if anything does come out as to what happened. I had a friend years ago that died suddenly in her sleep from a TSA, basically a short circuit from the heart to the brain. You die instantly; literally, no pain, nothing. Everything just stops. The reason we haven't heard anything is most likely there is nothing to hear. Unfortunately, she simply passed away in her sleep. We loved her and miss her.

Lynne was a beautiful person. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.

I was kinda surprised that the Oscars didn't include Lynne Thigpen in the video where they showed all of the actors/actresses that died the past year and Lynne wasnt even in it!!!! She was one of the most valuble and wonderful actresses ever and she wasn't in the memorial video.

I was kinda surprised that the Oscars didn't include Lynne Thigpen in the video where they showed all of the actors/actresses that died the past year and Lynne wasnt even in it!!!! She was one of the most valuble and wonderful actresses ever and she wasn't in the memorial video.

Saw her over thirty years ago in tintypes. She did a rendition of "Won't you come home Bill Bailey" that was unbelievable. I remember leafing through the program to memorize her name and saying this young girl has a great career ahead of her. She was a stand-out in everything she did. I believe she is in the new movie "Anger Management". Her death will be a great loss for all television and film viewers.

I don't have a lot of favorite TV shows and yet the District had me returning week after week. I watched because I really enjoyed Lynne. Now I regret I did not follow her career more closely before now. I will miss her very much. Those who knew her personally have been greatly blessed!

Wow...that's a real shock. I didn't even know about it, until I saw an older newspaper, thrown in the recycling bin. That's so terrible, the show won't be the same w/out her. ...But more than that, I just seemed rattled by the death, and I never knew her- not really. Just think what her family must be feeling.

What a talent. Such genuineness and charisma. What a loss to those of us who were blessed to have been touched by her acting. Such a beauty, a rare gem.

I rememeber Lynne being on "Gimme A Break." She played Nell's sister Lorretta. I never forgot her. I was excited to see her on " Lean on Me", " Carmen San Diego", and "The District." She was a very good actor and singer. She will defintely be missed.

I agree with the person who questioned how she died and why it is so hush hush. I've been looking for an article in TV Guide, People, etc., but nothing. She is a pivitol character on "the District" and in similar circumstances there would be media discussions about how the show would deal with her character and more about her as a person. She promised never to leave Ricky, she was just married, and I see it as a producer's nightmare to reconcile the story line with reality. This information black out allows untrue rumors to circulate and prevents this wonderful woman from getting the attention she so richly deserves.

My sister in law was an extra on the district when they were filming Lynne's funeral. She said the real life cause of death was brain anerism (sp?) and that the day she was on the show everyone was really somber (to be expected)

Lynne Thigpen was one of the greatest and most versatile actors of our time. I will miss her on The District, as I am sure all will. My comfort lies in knowing that Heaven is a little brighter now because of her smile.

ms Thigpen will be missed did she have any family

I remember Lynne Thigpen as the annoying parent in Lean On Me and as the afterschool center director (where Theo taught) on the later episodes of The Cosby Show. I first saw her in Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego? She was great in all of these roles and I am very sad to recently hear of her passing. I will be sure to watch out for her in the current movie Anger Management.

She was also was the voice of "Luna" on Bear In The Big Blue House. Her voice was kind and gentle.
I think when the oscars put together the memoriam for the program, don't they include only the people that died in the previous year, like they honor the films that were released the previous year? Not sure.

I first saw Lynne in Godspell and was thrilled to see her in The Cosby Show, Gimme a Break and Law & Order. I've always been impressed with her versatility. I was stunned to hear of her passing. She will be sorely missed.

GODSPELL is one of my favorite films of all time. In the film, Lynne sang "O Bless the Lord", my favorite song in the movie. I am shocked she is gone, and will never be able to listen to that song the same way again.

SHOCKED is the only way I can express the way I feel right now about Ms Thigpen's passing. I just read it today in ABCsoaps in depth. I can not believe I have not heard about it sooner.She IS one of those actress that you may not know her name but you've seen her a ton of times and know that her performance will be all star. She knew her craft.I'll miss her work.

Like many of the comments here, I enjoyed Ms.Thigpens acting ability very much and indeed was also shocked at how her death wasn't followed. I first saw her on All My Children. She became family to me by her prescence on the screen. I am heartsick and miss her very much. But I am assured she is singing in Heaven.

I'll miss her on the District, she added color and flare and i bet the producers will have a fit trying to fix it in the show.
RIP Lynne.

Lynne Thigpen was a very talented & likable actress. The District will definitely not be hte same without her. She was the main reason I enjoyed the show. Totally charasmatic.

A quiet, captivating, uncelebrated and unheralded true professional has passed without a lot of fanfare from Hollywood.

I have come to expect such things.

I went to college with Lynne at U of Illinois. We were both theatre majors, so we had classes together and acted together in lots of plays on and off campus.

From the start, it was clear that she was very, very talented. She usually acted the rest of us off the stage. Along with that talent came a beautiful heart, eager to share her experience and her soul with everyone.

It was no surprise that she made it in New York and in Hollywood in spite of not being conventionally beautiful and thin and perky.

It was very sad to hear of her passing, and it's difficult not knowing what caused it. I, too, expected to see her on the memorial video on the Oscar broadcast; I wish I knew whom to write to ask why she was omitted.

She is missed by many loving fans, friends, and family.

I think the reason she wasn't mentioned in the Oscars' rememberances is they only cover tose who passed in 2002, just like they only recognize films of 2002. I'm sure she will be remembered in the 2004 ceremony.

That's a good point, Bruce. We'll look for her to be included next year.

I still wish that the cause of death would be released. Even with the war taking over most news programs, this is the sort of news that E! network would cover, in fact, that's where I first learned that Lynne had passed.

I agree with the wonderful sentiments that have been expressed so far by everybody who's posted here. She was a really great actress, just seemed to be a down-to-earth, dedicated person who was loved by everyone with whom she came in contact. I first got to know her in The District (I don't watch much t.v.!) and then, without even knowing she's in the movie Godspell, I rented that and was blown away by her performance and her voice. Only a week after I watched the movie did she pass away. I'd encourage everyone to rent that video (the film was done in 1973), especially for the very cool song/dance filmed ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER in New York City. I will miss her a lot.

LYNNE THIGPEN: SHE WAS THE BEST ACTRESS ON THE DISTRICT. WE WATCHED IT EVERY WEEK JUST TO SEE HER. SHE HAD MORE CLASS THAN MOST OF THESE ACTORS TODAY. WE CANNOT BELIEVE SHE IS GONE. THE DISTRICT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REPLACE HER. WHY DO THINGS LIKE THIS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE LIKE HER. SHE WAS TO YOUNG. WE WILL SADLY MISS HER.

I learned about Lynne's passing 3 days later, upon watching an episode of the District, which was dedictated to her. Needless to say, I'm still in shock and am quite bewildered by the cause of her death, if one ever arises. I just viewed another episode of the District tonight & feel we have really lost an amazing talent!!! My prayers go out to her family & friends and everyone who was touched by her amazing presence.

where is the autopsy report? where are the follow through stories in the LA Times? Hollywood Reporter? etc.

As with everyone else Lynne's death was a real shock. And to, I have read nothing about the cause. My husband is a doctor and believes IF it was "unexpected", she probably died of an aneurysm. But, what we can't understand is--HOW IN THE WORLD DID THEY HAVE THAT SCENE AT THE END OF THE SHOW WHERE SHE SANG A SHORT VERSE ABOUT JESUS? Does'nt that suggest she was aware of "something" that may possibly take her life during the filming of the show? It was so sad that I cried for an hour!
When you watch actors week after week, they become like family and I think SOMEONE should share SOMETHING with ALL her dedicated fans--because we CARED! Although I don't really care much when they REPLACE a character with another--I think in this case--MAYBE--they should. BECAUSE just like many have said, she told Ricky she wouldn't leave and she was just married (on the show).
Entertainment Tonight reports on everyone and everything else, WHY NOT HER? I'm hoping someone from the show OR her family (who has a computer)will POST information for us. I also think she has been overlooked for the Emmy awards. She and Tyne Daly are true actresses with great perfomances and are not chosen for winners. I guess you have to be young, thin, and more likely to WIN a POPULARITY contest--which is about all it is anymore (ie; every actor on Friends had to have one). It will be interesting to see if Lynne is given an Emmy-posthumously. I am curious, to know how much it affected her fellow actors. (Especially, Craig T. Nelson--because--they seemed to really have a GREAT, GENUINE, connection in their scenes with each other.)

Well, I remember this actress from the early seventies and it was a blessing to watch my children experience this precious woman's talent on Carmen San Diego. All I can say is that Heaven has prospered from our loss and I cannot wait for my chance to personally meet her someday. I understand curiosity about someone's death, but we must never let it overshadow what they gave us while on this earth. Not personally knowing her, I must go by the spirit she exuded year after year in the pubic eye, I think she would not want one person who appreciated her work, her talent, and her spirit to linger in sorrow but rather celebrate the joy her life brought to so many, especially children. She has not left us at all, for she is deeply rooted in our hearts to remain forever, her memory has been imprinted within our souls

She will be missed. She has the luck of moving on and having been loved, though!She was a great talent, and that she was a good person shone from her eyes...still, I wonder why all the hush-hush surrounding the details of her passing?(who found her , when, where???)

On the last episode of "The District" as the credits were rolling by, it said "In Loving Memory of Lynne Thigpen". I was shocked to say the least. I remember her from so many differnt shows, even the soap opera! She was able to play many different roles, serious and humorous. She was truly a joy to watch. I still have not heard anything about her cause of death. Has anyone?

as im writting this , i am watching a movie on tv with this lovely lady, Lynn in the movie !!! Ihad watched the Districk always BECAUSE OF HER, AND THATS HOW I FOUND OUT SHE HAD PASSED !! IT WAS THE SHOW " IN LOVING MEMORIES "!! I couldnt believe it !!! at first i thought it was joke !! TOTAL SHOCK !!! I CRIED FOR HOURS ! I WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH !!! GOD BLESS HER , FOR I KNOW HEAVEN IS A BRIGHTER PLACE NOW WITH HER THERE !! LYNN REST IN PEACE SWEETHEART ! YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED !!! AND HOLLYWOOD LOST A BEAUTIFULL, TALENT LADY !!! " THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES"