Actress, writer, and educator Odessa Cleveland, a graduate of Louisiana's Grambling State University with a Master of Arts degree in business management and education, has made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry and beyond.
As a life member of the prestigious Actor's Studio, Cleveland's most notable role was that of Nurse Ginger Bayliss, a recurring character in 26 episodes of the beloved television series M*A*S*H, which premiered in 1972. Her portrayal of a dedicated nurse also appeared in several spin-off series, including Trapper John, M.D. (1979),Rich Man, Poor Man - Book II (1976),and The Greatest American Hero (1981).
Before becoming a household name, Cleveland started her career as a receptionist and writer for the Watts Writer's Workshop in South Los Angeles, where she honed her craft and developed her passion for storytelling. For the next three decades, she dedicated herself to teaching, serving as a valued educator for the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Now retired from both acting and teaching, Cleveland has continued to remain active as a writer, publishing her first book, "Thank You", in 2008. Her most recent literary endeavor, a collection of poetry titled "Of Age and Edges", was released in 2017, showcasing her versatility and talent as a wordsmith.
