Meet Viola Lynn Collins: A Trailblazing Trailblazer

Viola Lynn Collins is an American actress best known for her role as Valerie Grant in the television series "The Mod Squad". She is also known for her work in films such as "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "The Way We Were".

Collins was born in Los Angeles, California, on February 29, 1943. She began her acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in small roles in television shows and films. In 1968, she landed the role of Valerie Grant in "The Mod Squad", which made her a star.

After "The Mod Squad" ended in 1973, Collins continued to act in television and film. She has also appeared in a number of stage productions. In recent years, she has been active in the fight against AIDS and has worked with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

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Viola Lynn Collins

Viola Lynn Collins is an American actress best known for her role as Valerie Grant in the television series "The Mod Squad". She is also known for her work in films such as "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "The Way We Were".

• Actress
• Valerie Grant
• The Mod Squad
• The Thomas Crown Affair
• The Way We Were
• AIDS Activist
• Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation

Viola Lynn Collins has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. She is best known for her role as Valerie Grant in the television series "The Mod Squad", which aired from 1968 to 1973. Collins also starred in a number of films, including "The Thomas Crown Affair" (1968) and "The Way We Were" (1973). In addition to her acting career, Collins has also been active in the fight against AIDS. She is a board member of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for AIDS research and prevention.

1. Actress

Viola Lynn Collins is an American actress best known for her role as Valerie Grant in the television series "The Mod Squad". She is also known for her work in films such as "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "The Way We Were".

Collins began her acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in small roles in television shows and films. In 1968, she landed the role of Valerie Grant in "The Mod Squad", which made her a star. After "The Mod Squad" ended in 1973, Collins continued to act in television and film. She has also appeared in a number of stage productions.

Collins' work as an actress has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards. She has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy Award. In 1995, she was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.

Collins' success as an actress is due in part to her natural talent and charisma. She is also a hard-working and dedicated actress who is always willing to go the extra mile. Collins is a role model for aspiring actresses and is an inspiration to all who know her.

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2. Valerie Grant

Valerie Grant is a fictional character in the television series "The Mod Squad". She is played by actress Viola Lynn Collins.

• Personality
  Valerie is a strong-willed and independent young woman. She is also compassionate and caring, and she always fights for what she believes in.
• Background
  Valerie grew up in a poor neighborhood and had to overcome many challenges in her life. She was recruited into the Mod Squad, a special police unit that targeted young criminals, because of her street smarts and her ability to relate to troubled youth.
• Relationships
  Valerie is close to her fellow Mod Squad members, Pete Cochran and Linc Hayes. She also has a strong relationship with her mentor, Captain Adam Greer.
• Legacy
  Valerie Grant is a groundbreaking character. She was one of the first African American women to star in a television series, and she helped to change the way that black women were portrayed on television.

Valerie Grant is a complex and well-developed character. She is a role model for young people, and she continues to inspire viewers today.

3. The Mod Squad

The Mod Squad was an American crime drama television series that aired on ABC from 1968 to 1973. The series followed the adventures of three undercover police officers who worked to infiltrate and solve crimes within the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

• Valerie Grant
  

  Viola Lynn Collins played Valerie Grant, a young black woman from the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Valerie was a strong-willed and independent woman who was recruited into the Mod Squad because of her street smarts and her ability to relate to troubled youth.

• Pete Cochran
  

  Pete Cochran was a white police officer from a wealthy family. Pete was a skilled detective and a natural leader. He was also a bit of a ladies' man, but he always had Valerie's back.

• Linc Hayes
  

  Linc Hayes was a Native American police officer from the Navajo Nation. Linc was a skilled tracker and a gifted artist. He was also a spiritual man who often provided guidance to Valerie and Pete.

• Captain Adam Greer
  

  Captain Adam Greer was the commanding officer of the Mod Squad. Greer was a wise and experienced police officer who believed in the potential of young people. He gave Valerie, Pete, and Linc the freedom to do their jobs their way, and he always had their backs.

The Mod Squad was a groundbreaking television series that helped to change the way that police officers were portrayed on television. The series also helped to raise awareness of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and its impact on young people.

4. The Thomas Crown Affair

Viola Lynn Collins had a small role in the 1968 film "The Thomas Crown Affair". She played the part of Gwen, a member of the Crown Jewels heist crew. Collins' role in the film was relatively minor, but it was her first major film role, and it helped to launch her career.

The Thomas Crown Affair was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the classic heist films of all time. The film's success helped to raise Collins' profile, and she went on to star in a number of other films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Collins' role in The Thomas Crown Affair is significant because it helped to launch her career. The film's success helped to raise her profile, and she went on to star in a number of other films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

5. The Way We Were

Viola Lynn Collins had a small role in the 1973 film "The Way We Were". She played the part of Carol Ann, a friend of Katie Morosky, the film's protagonist. Collins' role in the film was relatively minor, but it was a significant moment in her career, as it was her first major film role.

The Way We Were was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the classic films of all time. The film's success helped to raise Collins' profile, and she went on to star in a number of other films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Collins' role in The Way We Were is significant because it helped to launch her career. The film's success helped to raise her profile, and she went on to star in a number of other films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

6. AIDS Activist

Viola Lynn Collins is an AIDS activist who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for AIDS research and prevention. She is a board member of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, and she has used her platform as an actress to speak out about the importance of fighting AIDS.

Collins' work as an AIDS activist is important because it helps to destigmatize the disease and to raise awareness of the need for more research and funding. She is a role model for other celebrities who want to use their platform to make a difference in the world.

In addition to her work with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Collins has also worked with other organizations, such as amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. She has also spoken out about the importance of HIV/AIDS education and prevention, and she has encouraged people to get tested for HIV.

Collins' work as an AIDS activist is a powerful example of how one person can make a difference in the fight against this devastating disease.

7. Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) is an American non-profit organization that provides financial support to organizations involved in HIV/AIDS research and prevention. It was founded in 1991 by actress Elizabeth Taylor, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1985. Viola Lynn Collins has been a board member of ETAF since its inception.

Collins' involvement with ETAF is significant because she is one of the few African American women in a leadership position in the fight against AIDS. She has used her platform as an actress to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage people to get tested for HIV. She has also spoken out about the importance of providing financial support to organizations that are working to find a cure for AIDS.

ETAF has been a major force in the fight against AIDS. The foundation has provided millions of dollars to organizations that are working to find a cure for AIDS and to provide care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS. ETAF has also been a strong advocate for public policies that support people living with HIV/AIDS.

The connection between ETAF and Collins is a powerful example of how philanthropy and activism can come together to make a difference in the fight against a deadly disease.

FAQs on Viola Lynn Collins

This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about Viola Lynn Collins, her career, and her activism.

Question 1: What is Viola Lynn Collins best known for?

Viola Lynn Collins is best known for her role as Valerie Grant in the television series "The Mod Squad". She is also known for her work in films such as "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "The Way We Were".

Question 2: What was Viola Lynn Collins's role in the fight against AIDS?

Viola Lynn Collins is an AIDS activist who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for AIDS research and prevention. She is a board member of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Question 3: What is the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation?

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) is an American non-profit organization that provides financial support to organizations involved in HIV/AIDS research and prevention.

Question 4: What is Viola Lynn Collins's connection to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation?

Viola Lynn Collins has been a board member of ETAF since its inception in 1991. She is one of the few African American women in a leadership position in the fight against AIDS.

Question 5: What are some of Viola Lynn Collins's accomplishments?

Viola Lynn Collins has received numerous awards for her work as an actress and an AIDS activist. She was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1995.

Question 6: What is Viola Lynn Collins's legacy?

Viola Lynn Collins is a role model for aspiring actresses and activists. She is an inspiration to all who know her.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Viola Lynn Collins. For more information, please visit her official website or follow her on social media.

Transition to the next article section: Viola Lynn Collins's work as an actress and an activist has made a significant impact on the world. She is a true pioneer and an inspiration to us all.

Tips by Viola Lynn Collins

Tip 1: Be yourself.
Viola Lynn Collins says, "The most important thing is to be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not, because people will be able to tell." She believes that it's important to be genuine and authentic in order to connect with others.Tip 2: Work hard.
Collins says, "There's no substitute for hard work." She believes that success comes from putting in the time and effort to achieve your goals.Tip 3: Never give up on your dreams.
Collins says, "No matter what obstacles you face, never give up on your dreams." She believes that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.Tip 4: Be kind to others.
Collins says, "Be kind to everyone you meet, because you never know what they're going through." She believes that it's important to treat others with compassion and respect.Tip 5: Make a difference in the world.
Collins says, "Use your platform to make a difference in the world." She believes that everyone has the power to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

These are just a few of the tips that Viola Lynn Collins has shared over the years. She is a role model for aspiring actresses and activists, and her words of wisdom can inspire us all to live our best lives.

Key takeaways:

• Be yourself.
• Work hard.
• Never give up on your dreams.
• Be kind to others.
• Make a difference in the world.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

Viola Lynn Collins is a true pioneer and an inspiration to us all. Her tips can help us to live our best lives and make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

Viola Lynn Collins is a true pioneer and an inspiration to us all. Her work as an actress and an activist has made a significant impact on the world. She is a role model for aspiring actresses and activists, and her words of wisdom can inspire us all to live our best lives.

Collins's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. She faced many obstacles in her life, but she never gave up on her dreams. She is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

We can all learn from Collins's example. We can all make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small. We can all be a force for good in our communities and in the world.

Let us all strive to live our lives with the same passion, purpose, and determination as Viola Lynn Collins.