Where Else You've Seen The Cast Of The Upshaws

You may know Wanda Sykes because, in 2004, the actress, comedian, and writer was named one of Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America (via BET). On "The Upshaws," she plays Regina's older sister Lucretia, who disapproves of Bennie and is a fixture in the family, but Sykes also co-created the show with Regina Y. Hicks.

Sykes started her TV career out as a writer, penning scripts for "The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show," "The Chris Rock Show" and "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist" before she ever stepped onto a set. She's since written for the Academy Awards, her own shows, "Last Comic Standing," and more. As for her acting career, she had early 2000s roles in "Pootie Tang," "Monster-in-Law," "Clerks 2," "My Super Ex-Girlfriend," and "Evan Almighty," along with a 2003 show called "Wanda at Large." You may have noticed her as herself on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Real Husbands of Hollywood," or playing Daphne Lido in "Black-ish." Her voiceover career has also been quite distinguished, so you might recognize her voice from some "Ice Age" films (she played Granny), "Rio," "UglyDolls" and others. 

Much of "The Upshaws," which she also writes for, was partially written and produced before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and she credits it for getting her through what was a tough time for everyone. "The writers were able to continue to write, and that was a saving grace because I didn't just sit here all day and wonder what the death count is and have I washed my hands enough," she told The Hollywood Reporter.