Last updated on: July 31, 2025
Leslie Uggams has had a dynamic and multifaceted career that spans decades, showcasing her talents as a singer, actress, and trailblazing performer. From classic courtroom dramas to cult horror flicks and modern superhero blockbusters, Uggams has proven her remarkable versatility on the big screen. This list highlights ten of her most memorable and impactful film roles, from the powerful Inherit the Wind to her fan-favorite appearance in Deadpool and its sequel. Whether taking center stage in dramatic narratives like Black Girl or embracing genre films like Sugar Hill, these movies represent the depth and range of Uggams’ contributions to cinema.
1. Inherit the Wind – A Powerful Start
IMdb Rating: 8.1/10
Leslie Uggams had a small part in the 1988 TV movie Inherit the Wind . She played a woman named Lucy. Even though she wasn’t the main character, her role brought warmth and strength to the story.
The film is about a real court case from the 1920s known as the “Scopes Monkey Trial.” A teacher was put on trial for teaching evolution in a town where many believed only in the Bible. The movie shows the struggle between science and faith. It’s also about standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s hard.
Inherit the Wind is worth watching. It reminds us how important it is to think for ourselves. The courtroom scenes are strong. They make you feel things deep down. You walk away thinking harder about life, truth, and fairness.
This was a made-for-TV movie, so we don’t know how much money it made. But people liked it. Critics said it told its story well. They also praised the actors. Leslie Uggams was one of them, even with less screen time.
A fun thing to know: The Scopes Trial really happened. It was a big moment in American history. This movie brings that time back to life in a way that feels real.
If you want to watch it, you can find Inherit the Wind on Amazon Prime Video or rent it online. If you like stories about history, justice, or powerful acting, this one’s for you. It’s the kind of film that stays with you. You might even want to watch it more than once.
2. Two Weeks in Another Town – A Glimpse into Old Hollywood
IMdb Rating: 6.4/10
In the 1962 movie Two Weeks in Another Town , Leslie Uggams had a small part. She played a lounge singer. Even though she wasn’t on screen much, her scene was something special. Her voice filled the room with soul. It gave the film a warm, real feeling that stood out.
The story is about Jack Andrus, a once-famous actor played by Kirk Douglas. He goes to Rome to help finish a troubled movie. He’s trying to find himself again after life got rough. The film shows what happens behind the camera—jealousy, love, pain, and dreams falling apart or coming true. You see fancy cars, big emotions, and the shine of Hollywood from long ago.
This movie is worth your time. It pulls you into a world where fame can lift you up or break you down. Leslie Uggams’ performance may be short, but for those who know her work, it’s a sweet surprise.
When it first came out, people had different thoughts. Some said it was too loud, too much. Others saw the beauty in how it was made and acted. Over the years, many have come to respect its style and honesty.
Here’s a fun bit: The movie was directed by Vincente Minnelli. He also made An American in Paris and Gigi . This film shares some of the same spirit as The Bad and the Beautiful , another classic from the same team.
You can watch Two Weeks in Another Town on Amazon Prime or rent it on old movie sites. If you like stories about Hollywood’s past, or if you want to catch a young Leslie Uggams doing what she does best, this one’s for you. Sit back, relax, and let the film take you back to a time when movies were big, bold, and full of heart.
3. Skyjacked – High Tension in the Sky
IMdb Rating: 5.7/10
In Skyjacked (1972), Leslie Uggams played a passenger named Angela Thacher. She’s calm, kind, and brave in the face of danger. The movie is about a regular flight that turns scary when someone hijacks the plane. Though she’s not the star, her presence brings comfort to the story, like a quiet fire in the middle of a storm.
The flight starts peaceful. Then, the pilot—played by Charlton Heston—finds a note in lipstick: “There’s a bomb on board.” That’s when everything changes. Fear spreads fast. Passengers panic. Crew tries to hold things together. Everyone is trying to stay alive while figuring out who’s behind the threat.
This film grabs you and doesn’t let go. It’s full of tight moments, real fear, and people trying to do the right thing. Leslie’s role may be small, but it’s deep. She shows how even a quiet person can bring strength when it’s needed most.
When it came out, Skyjacked did well at the box office. It made over $6 million—a lot back then. Critics called it a strong thriller. Fans loved the drama, the action, and the way it made you feel like you were really on that plane.
Here’s something cool: This was one of the first movies about a hijacked airliner. It helped pave the way for other films like Airport and even the funny Airplane! . And for Leslie Uggams, this was one of her first roles with real action and tension.
You can find Skyjacked on DVD or streaming online—Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and others. If you enjoy stories where people rise up in tough times, or if you want to see Leslie Uggams in a daring part, this one’s worth your time. Sit down, buckle up, and get ready for a ride that’s more than just takeoff and landing.
4. Black Girl (1972)
IMdb Rating: 6.8/10
In Black Girl , Leslie Uggams plays Billie Jean, a young Black woman with fire in her heart and dreams of becoming a dancer. She’s stuck in a hard home life but won’t give up on her hopes. Leslie makes you feel every moment—her joy, her pain, her fight. You can’t help but cheer for her.
Billie Jean is trying to find her way. She lives with her mom and two half-sisters, but things at home are far from easy. Everyone wants her to follow their path, not hers. But she has her own voice. She wants to dance. To leave. To be free. The movie shows what it means to struggle, to grow, and to stand tall as a Black woman in America. It’s raw. Real. And still hits hard today.
Leslie Uggams gives a performance that grabs your soul. There’s no fakeness, no show. Just truth. Her Billie Jean feels like someone you know. This film was rare back then—it told a story about Black women that Hollywood didn’t often tell. It still speaks volumes now.
It wasn’t a big hit when it came out, but it didn’t need to be. Black Girl became a quiet classic. It made waves in Black cinema. It mattered. Still does. No big trophies, but its power lies in how it touches people.
Critics called Leslie’s work brave and moving. Audiences saw themselves in Billie Jean. They felt seen. Some said it was one of the few films that showed real life without hiding the rough parts. It left marks on hearts.
The film came from a play by J.E. Franklin. She wrote it—and part of it comes from her own life. That’s why it feels so true. So deep.
You can stream Black Girl on Prime Video or through sites that carry older, meaningful films. It might take a click or two, but don’t stop looking. Once you watch it, you’ll understand why it’s worth every second.
This isn’t just a movie. It’s a mirror. A song. A cry. A dream. Let Leslie Uggams pull you into a story that’s been waiting to be heard.
5. Poor Pretty Eddie (1975)
IMdb Rating: 5.4/10
In Poor Pretty Eddie , Leslie Uggams plays Liz Wetherly, a well-known Black singer whose car breaks down in a strange Southern town. What should’ve been a quick stop turns into something dark and scary. She ends up stuck at an old lodge run by people who don’t just seem off—they’re dangerous.
Liz is trying to get help, but no one wants to lend a hand. Instead, she’s treated badly—partly because of her race, partly because she’s different from them. Things take a sharp turn when Eddie, a washed-up singer with a twisted mind, becomes obsessed with her. The movie mixes fear, tension, and Southern gothic style. It’s not your usual thriller—it digs deep and hits hard.
Leslie Uggams gives a powerful performance. She shows both fear and fire. You feel for her. Root for her. Want her to win. The film isn’t afraid to show the worst in people—and that makes it unforgettable. If you like stories that make you think as much as they scare you, this one’s for you.
It didn’t do big numbers when it came out. But over time, it found its people. Some called it wild. Others saw it for what it was—a bold look at race, fame, and how power can twist minds. Today, it’s seen as a cult gem.
Back then, folks were split. Some critics didn’t get it. Others thought it went too far. But now? Many see it as ahead of its time. People talk about how Leslie carries the film like a storm in the sky—loud, real, and full of life.
This movie wore different names: Heartbreak Motel , Black Vengeance . Different cuts came out over the years. That only added to its mystery. Made it more like legend than film.
You can stream Poor Pretty Eddie on Tubi or Prime Video if you know where to look. It’s not easy to find—but worth the hunt. Just be warned: This ain’t your regular night in. It’s rough. Real. And raw in all the right ways.
If you want something that sticks with you, long after the screen goes black, give this one a shot. Let Leslie Uggams remind you why she’s been lighting up screens for decades.
6. Sugar Hill (1974)
IMdb Rating: 5.8/10
In Sugar Hill , Leslie Uggams plays Diana “Sugar” Hill—a sharp, fearless woman who won’t let anything stop her from getting justice. When her man, Langston, is killed by greedy gangsters, Sugar doesn’t cry and run. No. She fights back—with voodoo, zombies, and a whole lot of style.
Langston ran a nightclub. Some bad men wanted it. They took his life for it. Sugar saw red. Not just sadness—rage. So she goes to a voodoo queen. Makes a deal with Baron Samedi, a spirit who walks between worlds. With his help, she raises an army of the dead. And now? The wicked will pay.
This film ain’t your regular crime tale. It’s got blood, magic, and more than a few chills. It’s wild, weird, and full of heart. And Leslie Uggams? She shines like fire in the dark.
Because it’s bold. Different. And Leslie owns every frame. Sugar isn’t waiting for someone to save her—she’s the storm. She’s the one calling the shots. If you like stories where women lead, fight, and win on their own terms—especially with a little help from the other side—then this one’s made for you.
It’s also part of the Blaxploitation wave of the ‘70s, a time when Black heroes took center stage in films that were loud, proud, and powerful. This movie stands out even among those—it’s got soul, spice, and a beat that sticks with you.
Didn’t blow up the box office at first, but over time, people found it. Lovers of horror and cult flicks fell for it hard. Now, it’s known for being brave, strange, and one of those hidden gems that deserved more love.
Fans loved Sugar’s strength. Her fire. Her cool. Critics called it spooky and smart. Yeah, the budget was low, but the story? High. Leslie’s acting? Higher still. It stuck with folks long after the credits rolled.
Baron Samedi—the eerie spirit in the suit—is pulled straight from Haitian folklore. Real legends. The actor who played him gave chills so deep, he became legend himself. People still talk about his voice, his walk, his presence.
You can catch Sugar Hill streaming on Shudder, Tubi, or Prime Video if you know where to look. It’s perfect for a night in with popcorn and a taste for something old-school and bold.
If you want a film that’s got bite, heart, and one unforgettable heroine, give Sugar Hill a spin. Leslie Uggams doesn’t just act here—she dances, commands, and haunts the screen all at once.
7. Toe to Toe (2009)
IMdb Rating: 5.4/10
In Toe to Toe , Leslie Uggams plays Gramma Evie. She’s the kind, smart grandmother of Tosha, one of the main girls in the story. Her role isn’t long, but it’s full of soul. You can feel the love and wisdom in every word she says. Gramma Evie’s been through life’s storms and still stands tall—like a strong old tree.
This film is about two teen girls who play lacrosse but live in two very different worlds. Tosha is Black, lives in a rough part of town, and works hard to make her dreams real. Jesse is white, comes from money, and has a whole other set of struggles. They end up on the same team. At first, they don’t see eye to eye. But over time, they start to understand each other.
The movie shows how hard it can be to grow up when people judge you for where you come from. It’s honest. It’s tough. And it hits close to home more than once.
It’s not flashy or loud, but it’s real. That’s what makes it special. The way it talks about race, class, and growing up feels true. And Leslie Uggams? She brings heart to the screen like only she can. Her scenes with Tosha are quiet, but powerful—like firelight on a cold night.
If you like stories that make you think, feel, and maybe even shed a tear or two, this one’s for you. It’s not just about sports—it’s about life.
Critics liked how brave the movie was. Some said it wasn’t perfect, but that made it feel more real. People connected with the girls, their struggles, and their growth. And again and again, folks mentioned how good Leslie Uggams was—even in small moments, she left a big mark.
They shot Toe to Toe in Washington, D.C. Real schools. Real neighborhoods. That’s part of why it feels so true. You’re not watching some far-off world—you’re seeing life as it is.
You can stream Toe to Toe on Amazon Prime or Apple TV. Sometimes it pops up on indie channels too. If you get a chance, give it a watch. It’s the kind of movie that sneaks up on you—quiet at first, then deep.
And if you ask me, Leslie Uggams is worth the price of admission alone. She always has been.
8. Just the Three of Us (1986)
IMdb Rating: 6.5/10
In Just the Three of Us , Leslie Uggams plays Dr. Marcia Grey—a strong, kind woman who steps in to help a broken family find its way. She’s calm, caring, and full of heart. Even when things get messy, she’s the one who makes you feel like everything might be okay. Watching her in this role is like hearing a soft song on a rough day—familiar, warm, and true.
A young girl loses both her parents in a sudden accident. Overnight, her whole world changes. She moves in with her grandma—someone she barely knows—and her dad’s best friend, who’s not exactly parent material. Things are awkward. Tense. Nobody knows how to act. But slowly, they start learning from each other. They stumble, argue, laugh, cry, and begin to care for one another in ways none of them expected.
Dr. Grey helps them through the hard parts. She listens. She guides. She shows them that love doesn’t always come in neat little boxes—it finds a way, even when things are shaky.
This film isn’t loud or flashy. It’s quiet. Real. And because of that, it hits deep. It shows how healing works—not fast, not easy, but possible. Family can grow in strange places. Love can show up when you least expect it.
Leslie Uggams gives such a gentle, grounded performance. She’s not shouting lines or crying for drama’s sake—she’s just there , steady and real. If you like stories that make you feel something honest, this one will stay with you.
It didn’t make big waves when it came out. But people who saw it remember it fondly. Some called it simple, but in a good way. Not fake. Not forced. Just life, told with care. Leslie’s part? Many said it was the glue that held the whole thing together.
Leslie had some say in her lines. She helped shape her character so it felt more real to her—more like someone you’d trust with your pain and questions. That’s the thing about her: she brings truth to every word she speaks on screen.
You won’t see it everywhere. It’s a bit of a hidden one. But if you look around, you might find it on classic TV movie sites or for rent on Amazon Prime Video. Don’t rush past it if you get the chance. Give it a watch. Let it sit with you awhile.
Just the Three of Us is more than a story about loss. It’s about healing. About finding peace in new faces. And with Leslie Uggams in the mix, you know you’re in good hands.
9. Deadpool (2016)
IMdb Rating: 8.0/10
In Deadpool , Leslie Uggams plays Blind Al. She’s tough, sharp, and doesn’t take no for an answer—not even from Deadpool himself! She can’t see, but she sees right through his nonsense. Her mouth is faster than his moves, and that’s saying something.
Wade Wilson becomes Deadpool after a messed-up experiment leaves him scarred but gifted with powers. He’s out for revenge, cracking jokes every step of the way. But when he’s not slicing bad guys or breaking the fourth wall, you’ll find him at home—yes, home—with Blind Al.
She’s not some sweet grandma baking cookies. No sir. She’s got attitude. She’s got edge. And she shares a bathroom with a superhero who wears red spandex. Together, they make one weird, wild pair.
Their scenes? Funny. Loud. Real. You never know what she’s gonna say next. And somehow, it makes sense. In a world full of chaos, she’s the one keeping Deadpool grounded.
This movie ain’t your daddy’s superhero flick. It’s loud, rude, bloody, and hilarious. It breaks all the rules—and that’s what makes it fun. Leslie Uggams fits right in. She brings life, sass, and heart to a role that could’ve been just a joke. But with her in it? It’s gold.
You won’t forget Blind Al. Neither will Deadpool.
Big. Like, really big. It made over $780 million worldwide. That’s a lot of chimichangas. It even got Golden Globe love—rare for a movie that loves swearing and sword fights as much as this one does.
Fans went wild. Critics gave it props for being fresh, bold, and different. People loved how wild it was—and how much fun Leslie had playing Blind Al. Some still talk about her like she should’ve gotten her own spin-off!
Leslie said she had a blast playing such a wild character. Said it was a total change from the roles she usually gets. She even joked that maybe Blind Al isn’t so blind after all. Or maybe… she’s hiding things. Either way, she had fun with it.
You can stream Deadpool on Disney+ (under Star), Amazon Prime Video, or rent it on places like Apple TV. Just remember—it’s R-rated. So keep the kids away unless they’re ready for blood, jokes, and a whole lotta attitude.
If you want a film that laughs while it kicks butt, Deadpool is your ride. And with Leslie Uggams in the mix, you know it’s got soul behind all that noise.
10. Deadpool 2 (2018)
IMdb Rating: 7.6/10
In Deadpool 2 , Leslie Uggams is back as Blind Al. Yep, that sharp-tongued, no-nonsense roommate who sees everything —even though she can’t actually see. She’s got a nose for trouble, a mouth full of fire, and a heart that’s bigger than most.
This time around, Deadpool’s got a new job: keep a troubled kid named Russell safe from Cable—a tough, time-traveling soldier with a serious attitude. It’s wild. It’s loud. It’s full of fights, jokes, and more cameos than you can count.
And right in the middle of all that chaos? Blind Al. Still living with Deadpool. Still calling him out on his mess. Still hiding things—like weapons—in her room. She’s not out there fighting bad guys, but she’s still part of the team in her own way.
If you liked the first one, this one’s even better. Bigger stunts. More laughs. A few real feels mixed in. And Leslie Uggams? She slides right back into the role like she never left. Her and Deadpool bicker like old friends. Their bond is weird, warm, and totally unique.
She doesn’t have tons of screen time, but when she’s there? You pay attention. She’s funny without trying too hard. Real without being mean. And man, does she know how to shut Deadpool up when he needs it.
Big. Real big. Made over $785 million worldwide. One of the top R-rated hits ever. Got nods at awards shows—even for that wild Celine Dion song! Yeah, that happened.
Fans were pumped to see Blind Al again. Critics called the movie smart, wild, and oddly sweet. Leslie’s scenes? Once more, golden. Her timing? Perfect. Her lines? Even better.
That weapon Deadpool grabs at the end? Hidden in Blind Al’s room. That’s right—she’s not just a roommate. She’s part keeper, part lookout, part secret supplier. All done with a smirk.
Stream it on Disney+ (under Star), Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV—you name it. Just be ready for blood, jokes, and one very sassy lady who steals every scene she’s in.
Leslie Uggams brings truth to madness. She makes the crazy feel real. And if you ask me? Blind Al’s got more sense than half the heroes in that movie.
Leslie Uggams has truly had an incredible journey on screen—from powerful dramas to wild comedies and even zombie revenge tales! Her talent, charm, and fearless roles have left a lasting impression on audiences for decades. Whether you’re discovering her work for the first time or revisiting old favorites, these movies are a great way to celebrate her versatility and legacy. Now it’s your turn—what’s your favorite Leslie Uggams role? Did we miss one you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
