Gone Too Soon: Actors Who Died While Filming A Movie Or TV Show
Lynne Thigpen
Lynne Thigpen may not be a household name but her face is easily recognizable as The Chief on the PBS children’s geography show “Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?” Thigpen was also the cantankerous mother who was a thorn in principal Joe Clark’s side in the 1989 movie Lean On Me. The 54-year-old actress passed away suddenly from a brain hemorrhage in March 2003 while she was in the middle of taping the third season of CBS’ “The District” as police chief aide Ella Farmer. The show’s third season finale contained a tribute to her character.