Actress Lynne Thigpen (1948)

The American comedy-drama film, The Paper (1994), directed by Ron Howard, follows Henry Hackett, a dedicated metro editor at The New York Sun. While he loves his job, Henry is tired of the long hours and low pay. He fears becoming like his work-obsessed boss, Bernie White, who neglects his family. When Bernie reveals his prostate cancer diagnosis, he tries to reconcile with his estranged daughter before it’s too late. Facing financial struggles, the paper’s owner enacts unpopular cutbacks under the supervision of Henry’s rival, managing editor Alicia Clark. At home, Henry clashes with his pregnant wife ...

Lean on Me (1989), a biographical drama directed by John G. Avildsen, tells the story of Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey. By 1987, the school had fallen into disarray as drug abuse and crime ran rampant. Students struggled to pass basic skills tests and even teachers were not safe from gang violence. After Mayor Bottman learns that state administration will take over the school unless at least 75% of students pass the minimum basic skills test, he turns to Dr. Frank Napier for advice. The superintendent suggests hiring Joe Clark, a former teacher at Eastside High who was transferred years ago, as the new ...