#’Steel Magnolias’ actress Carol Sutton dead of COVID-19 at 76

Actress Carol Sutton has died. She was 76.

Sutton, known for her roles in “Steel Magnolias” and the 2019 film “Poms,” died Friday due to complications of COVID-19, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced.

“Carol Sutton was practically the Queen of New Orleans theater, having graced the stages across the city for decades,” Cantrell Tweeted of the Big Easy native.

“We will always remember her commanding stage presence, her richly portrayed characters, and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew in productions such as ‘4000 Miles’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ May she rest in God’s perfect peace.”

Sutton had an extensive filmography, with roles in the 2001 movie “Monster’s Ball,” the 2011 film “The Help” and “The Last Exorcism” in 2010, among others dating back to the 1970s.

Director of the TV series “Queen Sugar,” Ava DuVernay, eulogized Sutton following her death.

“On behalf of the QUEEN SUGAR family, we celebrate the life of the stellar Carol Sutton. It was our honor to welcome this veteran actress of stage + screen to our show as Aunt Martha in Episode 409, ‘Stare at the Same Fires.’ We bless her. May she rise and rest in peace and power,” DuVernay tweeted, along with a clip of a scene featuring Sutton.