Cicely Tyson was Emmy-nominated as Outstanding Actress for her portrait of a Chicago schoolteacher whose remarkable achievements with black children labelled "unteachable" were spotlighted in a 1979 "60 Minutes" segment about how she became disillusioned with the traditional school system and decided to work outside of it, transforming her students into young scholars through her unique teaching style.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Cicely TysonMarva Collins | Marva Collins |
 Morgan FreemanClarence Collins | Clarence Collins |
| RRodrick F. WimberlyMartin Luther Jones (as Roderick Wimberly) | Martin Luther Jones (as Roderick Wimberly) |
| MMashaune HardyCindy Collins | Cindy Collins |
| BBrett BouldinPatrick Collins | Patrick Collins |
| SSamuel Muhammad Jr.Eric Collins | Eric Collins |
| DDianne KirkseyCynthia Rawls | Cynthia Rawls |
 Steven WilliamsMcCloud | McCloud |
| FFrankie HillIda Banbower | Ida Banbower |
| CCharlie BrownChester Boland | Chester Boland |
 Marsha WarfieldLela Boland | Lela Boland |
| CCe Ce ThompsonLouise Jones | Louise Jones |
 Jimmie F. SkaggsZay Smith | Zay Smith |
 Mike GenoveseMardesich | Mardesich |
| KKelly CrosbyTina Boland | Tina Boland |
| TTonda LeavyClarissa Lester | Clarissa Lester |
| DDuke ThorbsEddie Banbower | Eddie Banbower |
| DDarlene JacksonRoxanne Johnston | Roxanne Johnston |
| CCynthia CollinsRose | Rose |
| EErika McCoyBrenda | Brenda |
| GGordie WrightTruman | Truman |
 Ed AsnerNarrator (voice) | Narrator (voice) |
| BBarbara BasleyMs. Lester | Ms. Lester |
| TTony BrownRaphael | Raphael |