Born in Harlem, New York City; educated at NYU; trained at the Actors Studio. Her devoutly religions parents came from the Caribbean island of Nevis. Former model and New York stage lead who gained widespread attention for her role as a secretary on the hard-hitting TV series, "East Side/West Side" (1963-64), opposite George C. Scott. She co-founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem with Arthur Mitchell. Like many gifted black performers, Tyson finally began landing worthy film roles in the 1970s, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in SOUNDER (1972). She turned in a bravura performance in the title role of the award-winning TV movie, "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" (1974), and has continued to appear as strong, courageous women, mostly on TV. Her film credits include THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER (1968), THE BLUE BIRD (1976), THE RIVER NIGER (1976), A HERO AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT A SANDWICH (1978), THE CONCORDE: AIRPORT '79 (1979), FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991), HOODLUM (1997), BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE and DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN (both 2005), and MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION, FAT ROSE AND SQUEAKY and IDLEWILD (all 2006). Divorced from jazz legend Miles Davis, whom she married in 1981 in a ceremony performed by Andrew Young. Bill Cosby was the best man and gave away the bride. She now lives in Atlanta, GA.  Nominated for Actress 1972: SOUNDER 1 nomination