An epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. After Celie's abusive father marries her off to the equally debasing 'Mister' Albert Johnson, things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship anywhere she can. She perseveres, holding on to her dream of one day being reunited with her sister in Africa.
Danny Glover Albert
Whoopi Goldberg Celie
Margaret Avery Shug Avery
Oprah Winfrey Sofia
Willard E. Pugh Harpo
Akosua Busia Nettie
Desreta Jackson Young Celie
Adolph Caesar Old Mr.
Rae Dawn Chong Squeak
Dana Ivey Miss Millie
Leonard Jackson Pa
Bennet Guillory Grady
John Patton Jr. Preacher
Carl Anderson Reverend Samuel
Susan Beaubian Corrine
James Tillis Buster
Phillip Strong Mayor
Laurence Fishburne Swain
Peto Kinsaka Adam
Lelo Masamba Olivia
Margaret Freeman Odessa
Howard Starr Young Harpo
Daphaine Oliver Young Olivia
Jadili Johnson Young Adam
Lillian Njoki Distefano Young Tashi
Donna Buie Daisy
Leon Rippy Store Clerk
John R. Hart Mailman
David Thomas Road Gang Leader
Carrie Murphy Loretta
Juliet Poe Church Sister
Katie Simon Church Sister
Ethel Taylor Church Sister
Marcus Covington Boy
Marcus Liles Boo
April Myers Emma
Maurice Moore Child #1
Lechanda Latharp Child #2
Drew Bundini Brown Jook Joint Patron
Arnold F. Turner Jook Joint Patron
Jeris Poindexter Jook Joint Patron
Hawthorne James Jook Joint Patron
Sonny Terry Jook Joint Musician
Greg Phillinganes Jook Joint Musician
Roy Gaines Jook Joint Musician
Paulinho da Costa African Musician
Nana Yaw Asiedu African Musician
Clarence Avant African Musician
Bayo Martin African Musician
Ndugu Chandler African Musician
Jeffrey Kwashi African Musician
Pete Munzhi African Musician
Aniijia Rae Schockley African Musician
Maria Howell Church Choir Soloist (uncredited)
Gayle King Church-goer (uncredited)