Lights Out For Haleh Adams, But Not For Yvette Freeman
Original Cast
After 15 years on television, “ER” will finally take its last dramatic breath on April 2, 2009. The preview for the finale on April 2, gives flashes on the doctors and staff that have been gracing the hall of Chicago’s County General Hospital throughout the years, including the appearance of Dr. Mark Greene.
Called “And In The End…”, the finale sees a new medical facility for the underprivileged being opened and old friends return to show their support. Gates treats a teenager with alcohol poisoning after he and his friends play a drinking game. Sam is surprised when she receives a special gift for her birthday.
Apart from familiar faces like Noah Wyle, Eriq La Salle and Julianna Margulies, the finale will give a flashback to Anthony Edwards’ character Dr. Greene who had died in the 179th episode, through the appearance of his daughter, Rachel Greene. Rachel (Yvonne Zima) is a med-student who picks up where her dad left off, nabbing the chance to be an intern in the hospital.
Also giving the last bow on the finale are among others Sherry Stringfield, Laura Innes, Yvette Freeman and Alex Kingston.
Yvette Freeman (left) on the set of "ER: with Angela Bassett, Courtney Vance and Anthony Edwards
Appearing in 184 episodes, Yvette Freeman has been with the long running drama since the beginning. At 10:pm on Thursday night you would see nurse Haleh Adams, Freeman’s character rushing about in life saving mode at Chicago County General’s Emergency Room as she assisted the emergency room doctors played by Clooney, LaSalle, Wyle, Stringfield and Edwards.
The multi-talented singer actress was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and, inherited her talent as well as the love of performing from her father, jazz pianist Charles Freeman.
The University of Delaware graduate landed her first major performance in the Broadway run of “Ain’t Misbehavin”. Freeman’s unique singing voice coupled with her tremendous acting talent lead to other stage performances and eventually to television and feature films.
Although Haleh Adams remained the dedicated nurse to County General, Yvette Freeman evolved as a creative artist during the 15 years of “ER”.
Lily Mariye
Conni Marie Brazelton
Freeman completed the American Film Institute’s program Director’s Workshop for Women along with “ER” cast-mate Lily Mariye who happens to be married to the popular saxophonist, Boney James.
In her directorial debut The Blessing Way, Yvette cast Conni Marie Brazelton who was one her fellow nurses on “ER”. Freeman also wrote and produced the film which was featured on Showtimes Black filmmakers showcase.
Ellen Crawford
In her second film, which she also wrote, directed and produced, Freeman tackled the subject matter of Alzheimer’s disease. The film “Remember” which won several awards including Best Short Story for the Moondance 2004 Film Festival starred Ellen Crawford, her best friend and another fellow “ER” cast-mate.
Ms. Freeman who is married to jazz pianist Lanny Hartley, created and starred in Dinah Was, a tribute to the great late Dinah Washington. Yvette’s stellar performance earned her an Obie award in 1998.
Although the lights will go out for Haleh Adams and “ER” on Thursday April 2, 2009, we can rest assure that we haven’t seen the last of the multi-talented Yvette Freeman.
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