Gloria Foster (November 15, 1933 - September 29, 2001) was an American actress born in Chicago, Illinois. She was perhaps best known as The Oracle in The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded.
Before becoming known on the big screen, Foster had a long career in theater, winning two Obie Awards, for her performances in In White America, and A Raisin in the Sun. She was also active in television, appearing in such programs as I Spy and on two episodes of Law & Order.
Her character in both Law and Order episodes was based on the widow of Malcom X, Betty Shabazz. The first episode was based on Malcolm X's assassination, while the second focused on her character's children's acts of revenge against those who they thought were really responsible.
She died in New York City of diabetes, and was interred in the Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn.
