Tonya Pinkins Headshot

Tonya Pinkins

Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA

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Tonya Pinkins BIO

Tonya Pinkins is an American actress and filmmaker. Her award-winning debut feature film RED PILL was an official selection at the 2021 Pan African Film Festival, won the Best Black Lives Matter Feature and Best First Feature at The Mykonos International Film Festival, Best First Feature at the Luléa Film Festival, and is nominated for awards in numerous festivals around the globe. Her web-series The RED PILLING of AMERICA can be heard on her podcast "You Can't Say That!" at BPN.fm/ycst

She is known for her portrayal of Livia Frye on the soap opera All My Children and for her roles on Broadway. She has been nominated for three Tony Awards (winning one), and has won Obie, Lortel, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, AUDLECO, Garland, L.A. Drama Critics Circle, Clarence Derwent, and NAACP Theater Awards. She has been nominated for the Olivier, Helen Hayes, Noel, Joseph Jefferson, NAACP Image, Soap Opera Digest, and Ovation Awards. She won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Jelly's Last Jam.

Tonya Pinkins Photos

Tonya Pinkins STAGE CREDITS

[Los Angeles]
Original Production, 2017
Anna Jackson

[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Off-Broadway Revival, 2015
Mother Courage

[Off-Broadway]
The New Group Off-Broadway Production, 2015
Jaclyn

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Mrs. Weston

[Off-Broadway]
New Federal Theatre & Castillo Theatre Production, 2014
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Premiere, 2013
Gwen Hailey

[Off-Broadway]
Atlantic Theater Company Production, 2012
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Production, 2012
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Playwrights Horizons Co-Production, 2011
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2007
Mame Wilks

[London]
Royal National Theatre Production, 2006
Caroline Thibodeaux

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2004
Performer

Caroline Thibodeaux

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2003
Caroline Thibodeaux

Caroline Thibodeaux

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2003
Madame Fleur

[Off-Broadway]
Workshop, 2002
Performer

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2000
Muzzy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2000
Kate

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Lady Liv

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Clotilde

[Off-Broadway]
1994
Mistress Ford

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Anita

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Performer

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1991
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1990
Doctor / Architect / Chamebermaid / Younger Lady / Trader / Blackshirt / Ludo / Lawyer

[Off-Broadway]
1990
Lawna (Believing)/ Psychocompany (Phantasies)

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Eustacia Vye

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1982
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Gwen Wilson


Tonya Pinkins Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play

Tonya Pinkins, A Raisin in the Sun

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking


winner
The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play

Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking


winner
The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actress

Tonya Pinkins, Milk Like Sugar

Helen Hayes Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play

Tonya PinkinsBlack Pearl Sings!

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Best Actress In A Musical

Tonya PinkinsCaroline, Or Change


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change


winner
Obie Awards - 2004 - Performance

Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change


winner
The Lortels - 2004 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Tonya Pinkins, Play On!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Actress - Musical

Tonya Pinkins, Jelly's Last Jam

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Tonya Pinkins, Jelly's Last Jam


winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Tonya Pinkins , Jelly's Last Jam

Tonya Pinkins Videos

Tonya Pinkins News


12th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS to Take Place at Joe's Pub in June


The 12th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys” – the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre – will be performed at Joe’s Pub. Learn more about the event and see how to purchase tickets.

Broadway Podcast Network Debuts THE DRAMA BOOK SHOW! Podcast


Broadway Podcast Network introduces a new podcast, THE DRAMA BOOK SHOW! Tune in for engaging discussions on drama literature and insightful interviews with industry professionals.

New Music Venue The Central Park Café Opens Across The Street From Carnegie Hall


The Central Park Café is bringing the finest in New York cabaret to their restaurant across the street from Carnegie Hall. Learn more about the venue!

Avantika, Tony Danza, Tovah Feldshuh, Tonya Pinkins and More Will Lead New Play WINDOWS


 Windows, a new play written by New York Times Bestselling Author Tawni O'Dell will make its world premiere, in a strictly limited engagement March 25th - 27th at The Town Hall. Learn more about the play and find out who is starring here!

Marcus Simeone & Tracy Stark Will Bring 'Twilight Canopy / Up, Up & Away: Some Of The Songs Of Jimmy Webb' to Don't Tell Mama Next Month


Bistro and MAC Award-winning performers Marcus Simeone and Tracy Stark take us on a journey through the music and career of songwriter Jimmy Webb, via solos and duets. This is the final NYC performance of a show directed by Lina Koutrakos.

MIAMI MADNESS Comes to NYC Fringe in April


Story Emporium will present the World Premiere of Miami Madness written, directed & performed by David Rodwin as part of the 2024 New York City Fringe Festival with FRIGID New York at The Wild Project.

North Carolina Black Repertory Company Opens Submissions for the Inaugural Tonya Pinkins Legacy Award


The North Carolina Black Repertory Company has opened submissions for the inaugural Tonya Pinkins Legacy Award at the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival.

Michael Rider Brings 'This 'Ol House: Stories of a City Bear, Country Queen' to Chelsea Table and Stage


Singer, performer, coach, and voice teacher Michael Rider brings his journey from a dairy farm in Pennsylvania to the metropolis of NYC through stories and songs during his NYC cabaret debut in THIS ‘OL HOUSE: STORIES OF A CITY BEAR, COUNTRY QUEEN.

Cabaret Photographers: Conor Weiss


Broadway World Cabaret gets photographic content from some of the best shutterbugs in the business. Here's a look at some of the captures they've shared with us.

22 Theater Books for Your Winter 2024 Reading List


The weather outside might still be frightful for a while, but what better time to stay in and snuggle up with a great Broadway read? Check out our complete Winter 2024 reading list!

Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of SCENE PARTNERS at The Vineyard Theatre Starring Dianne Wiest and More!


Vineyard Theatre's world premiere of Scene Partners by John J. Caswell, Jr. (Wet Brain), directed by Tony Award winner Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown) opened on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, and Broadway World was there to capture the festivities. Check out photos here!

Photos: Peppermint Honored at 21st Annual SING OUT FOR FREEDOM Benefit


The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) held their 21st Annual “Sing Out For Freedom” benefit concert. See photos!

Christopher Collette To Play The Laurie Beechman Theatre With COME FLY WITH ME


THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER will present up-and-coming Saloon Singer vocalist Christopher Collette and pianist, composer, music director Tracy Stark.

Colette Ambo and Jelani Dream to Star in FOLK NATIVITY IN CONCERT at 54 Below


54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club, will present Alwin Bully's Folk Nativity In Concert on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 9:30pm.

Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards


Last night, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center presented the 22nd Monte Cristo Award to award-winning playwright and screenwriter Lynn Nottage.  Check out photos here!

WATCHER IN THE WOODS Musical Will Get Workshop in 2024


Producer Douglas Thompson announced development of the musical WATCHER IN THE WOODS, based on the 1976 novel by Florence Engel Randall, with music by Johanna Telander, book & lyrics by Douglas Thompson, and directed by Saki Kawamura.

Lynn Nottage to be Honored at Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's 22nd Monte Cristo Award Gala


The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center will present the 22nd Monte Cristo Award to award-winning playwright and screenwriter Lynn Nottage. 

Workshop Presentation For Audio Fiction Series, A SIMPLE HERSTORY To Take Place October 27


The team for the audio fiction series, A Simple Herstory, will be presenting an early preview of work for its second season at The Tank in New York City at 4pm on October 27th.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG: A [Backwards] History of Old Friends


Go inside the complete history of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Merrily We Roll Along, playing at Broadway's Hudson Theatre now!

Eddie Shapiro to Discuss Newest Book HERE'S TO THE LADIES at The Drama Book Shop


Join theatre journalist Eddie Shapiro as he sits down with Broadway's leading ladies for intimate conversations about their careers. RSVP now and get a chance to understand the life of a performing artist.

Tonya Pinkins FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Tonya Pinkins been in?

Tonya Pinkins has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.

How many West End shows has Tonya Pinkins been in?

Tonya Pinkins has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Tonya Pinkins been nominated for?

Tonya Pinkins has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. These include Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play at The Lortels for "A Raisin in the Sun," Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Rasheeda Speaking," and Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. She was also nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play at The Lortels for "Rasheeda Speaking" and Outstanding Featured Actress at The Lortels for "Milk Like Sugar." Pinkins received nominations for Best Actress In A Musical at the Olivier Awards for "Caroline, Or Change," Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for the same show, and Performance at the Obie Awards for "Caroline, or Change." Additionally, she was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Caroline, or Change," Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for the same production, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Caroline, or Change." Pinkins also received nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Play On!," Best Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam."

What awards has Tonya Pinkins won?

Tonya Pinkins has won several awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play at The Lortels for "Rasheeda Speaking," Outstanding Featured Actress at The Lortels for "Milk Like Sugar," Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Caroline, or Change," a Performance award at the Obie Awards for "Caroline, or Change," Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for "Caroline, or Change," Best Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam."

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