Smokey Joe's Cafe Star B.J. Crosby Recovering from Stroke

By Andrew Gans
July 8, 2008

B.J. Crosby, the dynamic, Tony-nominated Broadway actress known for her powerful, rangy belt, is recovering from a stroke, according to a report in the Times-Picayune.

Crosby, according to the New Orleans paper, suffered a stroke on the right side of her body in mid-June. The actress is able to speak and walk and has regained some use of her right hand and arm, but is unable to sing at this point.

"My speech is slurred, but I take my time when I talk so you can understand me," Crosby told the Times-Picayune. "It's OK. I know I'm getting better. . . . I'm not mad that this happened to me. But it's difficult to get through. I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm going to recover. It's just going to take a little time."

Crosby does not have medical insurance. To help raise funds for the actress donations are being accepted, and a benefit concert is planned for the fall.

"I need prayers more than money," Crosby told the New Orleans paper. "Tell people not to stop praying for me. I know prayer changes things."

B.J. Crosby portrayed Matron "Mama" Morton in the hit Broadway revival of Chicago. She also starred on Broadway in the revival of One Mo' Time, and she earned a Tony nomination for her work in the long-running revue Smokey Joe's Cafe. Crosby's other theatrical credits include roles in "Dreamgirls" and George C. Wolfe's "Harlem Song."