Renn Woods

Renn Woods (born Ren Woods; January 1, 1958) is an American film, television and stage actress, vocalist and songwriter. She is best known for her role as Fanta in Roots, for her performance of "Aquarius" in the film version of Hair and as Edie in the TV series Beauty and the Beast (1987–1989).

Woods was born in Chicago and raised in Portland, Oregon, where she attracted attention as part of Three Little Souls, a local musical trio she formed at age ten. The group subsequently became known as Sunday's Child, and toured internationally through Wood's adolescent years, appearing on television with such acts as Bob Hope. In adulthood, Woods transitioned into acting, starring as Fanta in Roots (1977), and the "Aquarius" soloist in Hair (1979). She also had a supporting role in the comedy The Jerk (1979).

She also appeared onstage as Dorothy in the first national touring production of The Wiz, and as The Moon in a Los Angeles production of Caroline, or Change.

Early life Woods was born in Chicago, Illinois, one of six children, and was raised in Portland, Oregon by her divorced mother, who was a nurse. Woods described her mother as a "politically conscious and very unusual woman." At age eight, Woods began singing in a trio with two friends in her neighborhood, performing as the Three Little Souls.

Career beginnings Renn began singing at the age of six. By age 10, she and two girlfriends began performing under the group name Sunday's Child, and performed on television programs with Jack Benny, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby. Azz Izz was well received. The second album featured a new composition by Prince titled "I Don't Wanna Stop." Woods released a third album featuring jazz standards, Crazy, in 2015. She, Darryl Edwards, Steve James, and Bill Cobbs play barflies. Reviewer Deborah Jerome of The Record said that they brought good performances to the film.

She appeared in other American television series, including What's Happening!!, Lou Grant, Hill Street Blues, The White Shadow,

She also appeared in the musical Caroline, or Change as The Moon at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.

Filmography Film

Television Year Title Role Notes 1977 Roots Fanta Miniseries1977 What's Happening!! Brenda Episode: "Dwayne's Dilemma"1977We've Got Each Other Donna 9 episodes 1978 Insight Angie Episode: "It Can't Happen to Me"1979 The White Shadow Darlene Robinson Episode: "Pregnant Pause" 1982 Lou Grant Karly Episode: "Suspect"1984 The Jeffersons Rhonda Episode: "A New Girl in Town" 1986–1987 Hill Street Blues Hooker / Jackie Lowrie 2 episodes 1989 TV 101 Teenage Pregnancy Counselor Episode: "First Love: Part 2" 1987–1989 Beauty and the Beast Edie 44 episodes 1989 Monsters Cora Episode: "Love Hurts"1993 Roc Pam Episode: "Shove It Up Your Aspirin"1995 The Client Doctor Episode: "The Prodigal Father"1995 NYPD Blue Lisa Episode: "These Old Bones" 1996 Sabrina, the Teenage Witch Mrs. Hecht Episode: "Pilot" 1996 Relativity Receptionist Episode: "Jake Gets a Job" 2001 That's Life Clerk Episode: "Larva"