Oprah Winfrey Mattie Michael Actor Rachael Crawford Melanie Browne Actor Brenda Pressley Etta Mae Johnson Actor Olivia Cole Miss Sophie Actor Kelly Neal Abshu Kamau Actor John Cothran Ralph Thomas Actor Oscar Brown Jr. Jessie Actor John Speredakos Mickey Adriano Actor John Beasley Mr. Willie Guest Star Lynnie Godfrey Roberta Guest Star Beah Richards Bernice Sands Guest Star DiAnne B. Shaw Eloise Guest Star Gloria Naylor Writer Helaine Head Director