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Sanaa Lathan

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

She is the daughter of actress Eleanor McCoy and film director Stan Lathan. Her career began after she appeared in the shows In the House, Family Matters, NYPD Blue, and Moesha. Lathan later garnered further prominence after starring in the 1998 superhero film Blade, which followed with film roles in The Best Man (1999), Love & Basketball (2000), Disappearing Acts (2000), and Brown Sugar (2002).



In 2004, Lathan's performance in the Broadway revival of A Raisin in the Sun, earned her a nomination at the Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Play. Following this, she played the role of Alexa "Lex" Woods in the film Alien vs. Predator. In 2008, she landed a leading role in film The Family That Preys by Tyler Perry. Lathan returned to theatre work in 2010, starring in the all-black performance of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Novello Theatre in London. She reprised her role as Robyn in the Christmas-themed sequel of The Best Man, in The Best Man Holiday (2013). In 2022, she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, for her work on the television series Succession.

As a voice actress, from (2009 to 2013), she voiced Donna Tubbs in The Cleveland Show and in all concurrent and subsequent Family Guy appearances, as well as Catwoman on Harley Quinn. Her other notable film credits include Out of Time (2003), Something New (2006), Wonderful World (2009), Contagion (2011), Repentance (2013), The Perfect Guy (2015), and Now You See Me 2 (2016). Lathan also made her directorial debut with the film On the Come Up in 2022.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Production, 2011
Vera Stark

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Beneatha Younger

[Off-Broadway]
2001
Isabella

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

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1996
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Tamara


Movies

Drive
[ 1997 ] Carolyn Brody
Blade
[ 1998 ] Vanessa
The Wood
[ 1999 ] Alicia
Life
[ 1999 ] Daisy
Catfish in Black Bean Sauce
[ 1999 ] Nina
The Best Man
[ 1999 ] Robin
Love & Basketball
[ 2000 ] Monica Wright
Brown Sugar
[ 2002 ] SidneySydShaw
Out of Time
[ 2003 ] Ann Merai Harrison
Alien vs. Predator
[ 2004 ] Alexa Woods
Something New
[ 2006 ] Kenya Denise McQueen
The Family That Preys
[ 2008 ] Andrea
Powder Blue
[ 2009 ] Diana
Wonderful World
[ 2009 ] Khadi
Contagion
[ 2011 ] Aubrey Cheever
Repentance
[ 2013 ] Maggie Carter
The Best Man Holiday
[ 2013 ] Robyn
The Perfect Guy
[ 2015 ] Leah
Now You See Me 2
[ 2016 ] Deputy Director Natalie Austin
Approaching the Unknown
[ 2016 ] Emily Maddox
American Assassin
[ 2017 ] Irene Kennedy
Nappily Ever After
[ 2018 ] Violet
Native Son
[ 2019 ] Trudy Thom
On the Come Up
[ 2022 ] Jay

TV Shows

Family Guy
Donna Tubbs, Fangirl, Backup Singer
Harley Quinn
Catwoman
The Affair
Janelle Wilson
The Cleveland Show
Donna Tubbs

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Sanaa Lathan, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark


winner
The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Sanaa Lathan, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2004 - Performance

Sanaa Lathan, A Raisin in the Sun

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Sanaa Lathan, A Raisin in the Sun

Videos

News


Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Announces Liz Diamond as New SDCF Board President

Liz Diamond, Jonathan Parker, and Barbara Whitman have been announced as new members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) Board of Trustees, bringing their extensive experience to the organization.
Video: Watch Trailer for THE SUPREMES AT EARL'S ALL YOU CAN EAT

The trailer for Searchlight and Hulu's The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat has been released. The movie features several stage alums, including the central trio Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Sanaa Lathan. Watch the trailer now!
See Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan, & More in Poster for THE SUPREMES AT EARL'S ALL YOU CAN EAT

A new poster for Searchlight's The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat, which features several Broadway and theatre alums, has been released. The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat follows a trio of best friends (Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan) known as “The Supremes” who, for decades, have weathered life’s storms together through marriage and children, happiness and blues. Now, as heartbreak and illness stir up the past and threaten to destroy their friendship, Odette, Barbara Jean and Clarice see their bond put to the test as they go through their most challenging times yet.
Director Rebecca Aparicio To Receive SDCF's 2024 Barbara Whitman Award

Established by theatrical producer Barbara Whitman in 2021, this award recognizes a woman, trans, or non-binary director who has developed a clear and distinctive artistic voice and demonstrated unique vision in their theatrical work.
Video: Watch Sanaa Lathan & HGTV Week on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW

Discover the latest on HGTV Week featuring Sanaa Lathan, Egypt Sherrod, and Mike Jackson. Dive into behind-the-scenes stories and insights from 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' writer. Watch new videos from the episode now!
Video: SHUCKED Songwriter Brandy Clark Visits THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW

Grammy Award-winning country music artist Brandy Clark stops by and tells Jennifer about her first Grammy win after 17 nominations, revealing how she knew she'd won before her name was announced.  Brandy also shares how her collaboration with Brandi Carlile came about. Watch the new videos from the episode now!
Video: Watch HGTV Week & Will.i.am on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW

WILL.I.AM discusses surprise Super Bowl performance and thoughts on artificial intelligence. HGTV's Brian Kleinschmidt shares 'American Idol' audition experience and working with wife Mika. Watch the videos from the episode now!
Vide: Watch Billy Gardell on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW

Jennifer looks ahead to the 2024 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Friday, February 16, and performing during half-time for the All-Star Game on Sunday, February 18. Then Billy Gardell joins Jennifer and reflects on getting his big break in “Mike and Molly” with Melissa McCarthy. Watch the videos from the episode!
THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Teams With HGTV For Special Week Of Programming

Stars from across HGTV's leading home renovation and lifestyle series will join the nationally syndicated talk show February 19-23, including Home Town's Erin & Ben Napier, Page Turner from Rock the Block, Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt from 100 Day Dream Home, and Egypt Sherrod & Mike Jackson from Married to Real Estate.
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Announces 2024 Season

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company announces a season of performance, residencies, and exciting community activities that features new works, new productions, and most importantly welcomes new choreographers, dancers, artists, and collaborators to create groundbreaking work that bridges the cultural divide, gives honor and justice to diverse heritage, and amplify the artistic voices seldom heard outside the immigrant community.
HBO Acquires GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT Documentary Film

From directors and producers Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson (“American Promise,” “Stateless”), producer Tommy Oliver (HBO’s “40 Years A Prisoner,” “Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss”), and executive producers Taraji P. Henson and Codie Elaine Oliver, the film premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival.
Warner Theatre To Screen LOVE & BASKETBALL And HIDDEN FIGURES This Month

The Warner Theatre's Winter Film series continues with Love & Basketball, February 16 at 7 pm in the Oneglia Auditorium! The following Thursday, the Warner will present Hidden Figures on February 23, 7 pm in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre.  
Harlem School Of The Arts Announces May 1st Date For Its First In-Person Gala Since The Pandemic

After three years without its main fundraising event, the 59-year-old Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) has announced the return of its annual Gala, to be held at the world famous Plaza Hotel on Monday, May 1st, 2023 (6:30pm - 9:00pm).
Broadway Streaming Guide: February 2023 - How to Hear the KIMBERLY AKIMBO Cast Recording & More

This February, Broadway fans will be treated with several new albums, concerts, and television shows to binge. Check out what's coming to streaming this month, including new classic movie musicals like The Music Man, to new Broadway cast recordings from Kimberly Akimbo and KPOP!
VIDEO: Peacock Shares THE BEST MAN: THE FINAL CHAPTERS Official Teaser

The video teaser premiered exclusively at Urbanworld Film Festival where the original The Best Man film premiered in 1999, a full circle moment for the franchise. Based upon the film franchise by Malcolm D. Lee, The series stars Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Harold Perrineau.
HBO Max Renews HARLEY QUINN Adult-Animated Series For A Fourth Season

In season three of the biting and uproarious adult animated comedy series, Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) and Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) wrap up their “Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour” and return to Gotham as the new power couple of DC villainy. Along with their ragtag crew – King Shark (Ron Funches), Clayface (Alan Tudyk), Frank the Plant (JB Smoove).
HBO/HBO Max Receive 140 Emmy Nominations

HBO/HBO Max earned the most nominations for a single network or platform this year, marking the 20th time in history that the HBO brand has received the most Primetime Emmy® nominations of any network/platform in a single year. This bests HBO’s previous record of 137 nominations in 2019.
Andrew Garfield, Jodie Comer, Steve Martin & More Earn 2022 Emmy Nominations - See the Full List!

Check out the complete list of Emmy nominations, which include Andrew Garfield, Steve Martin, Jodie Comer, Tony Awards Presents: Broadways Back!, Annie LIVE!, Jane Lynch, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Nathan Lane, Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Shalom, Mare Winningham, Laurie Metcalf, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, and more!
HBO Max Announces HARLEY QUINN's Season Three Return

The mayhem and madness continue in season three of this biting and uproarious adult animated comedy series. Wrapping up their “Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour,” Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) and Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) return to Gotham as the new power couple of DC villainy. The cast also includes Alan Tudyk (Clayface/The Joker), Matt Oberg (Kite Man), and more.
The 20th Annual Imagenation Outdoors Festival to Launch with Aretha Franklin Bio-Pic RESPECT

ImageNation Film Festival's 20th Annual ImageNation Outdoors Festival kicks off Saturday July 9th thru September 10, 2022. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Sanaa Lathan been in?

Sanaa Lathan has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Sanaa Lathan been in?

Sanaa Lathan has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Sanaa Lathan been nominated for?

Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for By the Way, Meet Vera Stark , Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun.

What awards has Sanaa Lathan won?

Sanaa Lathan has won the Outstanding Lead Actress Award from The Lortels for her performance in By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. She also received a Performance Award from the Theatre World Awards for her role in A Raisin in the Sun.

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