Payton is an internationally acclaimed actress and an accomplished singer. Payton has performed memorable performances on stage, screen, and television. Her professional career spans over 40 years. She is most noted for her portrayal of “Harriette Winslow” on the “Family Matters” T.V. show, which is still the longest running all African American Cast show on a Major Television Network in history.

Payton is also well known for her portrayal of the ever-popular character “Suga Mama” of Disney’s award-winning show “Proud Family” and has revised the role in “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder .” She has been nominated eight consecutive times for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a children’s show by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Image Awards. She is also the recipient of the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications Vision Award.

Her community advocacy and philanthropy have been stellar on both coasts. She has provided numerous scholarships for deserving students to continue their education, and she holds an honorary doctorate in humanities from Vincennes University. Payton holds the keys to many cities throughout the United States and is still continually active in the community and her career.