Brynda Mattox, a multifaceted individual with a profound influence in the entertainment industry, has carved out a remarkable career as an actress, producer, and activist.
Born at the summit of an uncharted mountain in the coal mining community of Blue Diamond, Kentucky, Brynda was the solitary offspring of more mature educators who taught at the local institution. Her parents, holders of master's degrees, and her grandparents, graduates of higher education institutions, instilled in her a robust sense of accountability.
Brynda's formative years were characterized by an abiding passion for music and the performing arts. She had a profound affinity for the clarinet, which led her to participate in various musical ensembles, including band and orchestra, where she consistently demonstrated exceptional skill. Her talents did not go unnoticed, as she was selected to perform in the prestigious Kentucky All-State Band, a testament to her dedication and natural ability.
In addition to her clarinet pursuits, Brynda's vocal talents were also showcased through her involvement with the university choir. She was further distinguished by her membership in the elite Madrigal Singers, a select group that required a high level of musical proficiency and artistry. This multifaceted approach to music allowed her to hone her skills on both the clarinet and piano, ensuring a well-rounded musical education.
Brynda's academic pursuits were not limited to music, as she was also an active member of Phi Mu sorority, a renowned social organization that fosters personal growth, community service, and lifelong friendships. Through her involvement with the sorority, she developed essential leadership skills, a strong sense of camaraderie, and a deeper understanding of the importance of giving back to her community.
Brynda's remarkable academic journey commenced with her graduation from high school at a remarkably young age of 16, a testament to her academic prowess and dedication. In recognition of her tireless efforts in community outreach, she was bestowed the prestigious Lexington Community Award by Henry Clay High School, a distinguished honor that acknowledged her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
As she transitioned to higher education at Transylvania, Brynda continued to nurture her passion for activism and the arts. She became an integral part of the university's vibrant music scene, lending her voice to the choir and using her exceptional vocal talents to bring people together through the universal language of music. Furthermore, she expanded her creative horizons by becoming a member of the esteemed Phi Mu sorority, an organization renowned for its values of sisterhood, scholarship, and community service.
Throughout her time at Transylvania, Brynda remained committed to honing her musical skills, both as a clarinetist and pianist. Her dedication to her craft was evident in her ability to seamlessly blend her artistic talents with her community-oriented spirit, making her a valuable asset to her academic community.
Brynda's trailblazing activism commenced at a remarkably young age, with her playing a pivotal role in spearheading the integration of her college in the autumn of 1963. This courageous endeavor was merely the beginning of her illustrious journey, as she went on to march alongside the renowned Martin L. King, Jr. in the historic March on Frankfort, Kentucky, in March 1964.
In addition to her tireless advocacy, Brynda also demonstrated her multifaceted talents by assuming the position of Chairwoman of the Accent on Religion Week while concurrently serving as co-president of the Student Christian Association. Her impressive range extended beyond the realm of activism, as she also took on leading roles in several productions, including the classic Kaufman and Hart comedy "You Can't Take It With You," the poignant Arthur Miller drama "A View from the Bridge," the thought-provoking Terrence Rattigan play "Separate Tables," and the groundbreaking Berthold Brecht epic "Galileo."
Noted individual Brynda embarked on a distinguished career trajectory following her academic pursuits at Yale Divinity School, where she earned a Master's degree in the field of Religion. This intellectual foundation laid the groundwork for her subsequent endeavors, as she took on the role of a youth counselor in the socio-economically diverse region of Battersea, London. Her impressive professional growth continued as she became a dedicated special teacher, catering to the unique needs of both highly advanced and exceptionally slow learners within the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Throughout her 2 and 1/2 years spent abroad, Brynda's insatiable wanderlust led her to traverse various parts of the world, including Israel, where she found herself during the tumultuous Six Day War in 1967.
Upon her return to the United States, Brynda became deeply immersed in her artistic pursuits, specifically with the Judson Poets Theatre, a renowned theatre company located in the heart of Greenwich Village. This esteemed organization was led by the visionary and late Rev. Al Carmines, a trailblazing figure in the world of theatre.
Brynda's involvement with the Judson Poets Theatre proved to be a pivotal moment in her career, as she was featured prominently in the June 1972 issue of LIFE magazine alongside the talented cast of the company's hit production, "A Look At The Fifties". This notable production was a showcase for Brynda's talents as a performer, and her role as a majorette in the Al Carmines-directed hit further solidified her position as a rising star in the world of theatre.
Brynda's tenure as Director of Entertainment for Hospital Audiences, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in New York, was marked by a multitude of challenges. In this role, she was responsible for conceptualizing and overseeing programs sponsored by a diverse array of esteemed institutions, including the American Theatre Wing, the National Musicians Union, the New York Council for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Through these grants, Brynda worked tirelessly to bring live entertainment to a variety of settings, including prisons, state schools, mental hospitals, and general hospitals, all located within and around the greater New York City area.
Brynda has had an impressive career, having produced and acted in a total of six bi-coastal productions, with roles carefully crafted specifically for her talents.
Among her notable credits, Brynda has appeared in a one-woman show, "Attic Lies/Attic Prayers", a poignant and thought-provoking piece written by the late Louis Z. Bickett II.
She has also brought to life the complex and multifaceted characters in "Flesh Failures", a gripping drama penned by Dennis Embry.
Furthermore, Brynda has shone in "Quivering Heights", a powerful and emotionally charged play co-written by the late Tony McKonly and the late Ivan Polley.
In addition to her impressive acting credits, Brynda has also ventured into the realm of playwriting, creating the role of Bonnie Bell in "The Grand Finale", a captivating and memorable play written by Tom Porter, with supplemental material cleverly added by Brynda herself.
Brynda is currently serving as the esteemed chaplain of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 43, situated in the vibrant city of Hollywood, where she diligently tends to the spiritual and emotional needs of its members.
In addition to her chaplaincy, Brynda holds a position on the board of the Argyle Civic Association, a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting the welfare and development of the local community.
Prior to her current roles, Brynda, along with her late husband, Cliff Rapp, were tireless advocates for the welfare of homeless veterans.
