Lynne Thigpen was born Cherlynne Theresa Thigpen on December 22, 1948, in Joliet, Illinois, to George and Celia Thigpen. She initially pursued a degree in teaching and briefly taught high school English while studying theatre at the University of Illinois on an acting fellowship.

Her passion for acting led her to move to New York City in 1971, where she began her career on stage. Her first major role was in the off-Broadway musical "Godspell" in 1971, where she played the character Lynne and sang "O Bless the Lord, My Soul". She reprised her role in the 1973 film adaptation of the musical.

Lynne Thigpen was known for her versatility and powerful performances on stage and screen. She appeared in numerous musicals, including "The Magic Show," "Working," and "Tintypes," for which she earned a Tony nomination.

In 1997, she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in "An American Daughter". She also had a successful television career, most notably as "The Chief" in the children's educational TV show "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?" and as the voice of Luna the Moon in "Bear in the Big Blue House". She was nominated for six Daytime Emmy Awards for her television work.

Her film career included roles in "The Warriors" (1979), "Lean on Me" (1989), and "Shaft" (2000). Her last film, "Anger Management" (2003), was released posthumously and paid tribute to her in the end credits.

Lynne Thigpen passed away on March 12, 2003, at the age of 54 due to a cerebral hemorrhage. She is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery in Joliet, Illinois.