Tonya Pinkins
Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA
Latest News on Tonya Pinkins:
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala (Dec 18, 2024)
The Apollo Reveals 2025 Winter/Spring Season (Dec 5, 2024)
3RD ANNUAL BLACK MOTHERHOOD AND PARENTING NEW PLAY FESTIVAL Streams New Season (Dec 1, 2024)
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala (Dec 18, 2024)
The Apollo Reveals 2025 Winter/Spring Season (Dec 5, 2024)
3RD ANNUAL BLACK MOTHERHOOD AND PARENTING NEW PLAY FESTIVAL Streams New Season (Dec 1, 2024)
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.
Photos
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Tonya Pinkins and Joyce Sylvester perform onstage while Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater )
Date:
11/07/2023
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Tonya Pinkins perform onstage while Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater )
Date:
11/07/2023
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: (L-R) Guest, Stacey Sargent, Lynn Nottage, Tonya Pinkins and Lisa Arrindell attend the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater )
Date:
11/07/2023
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: (L-R) Lisa Arrindell, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Stacey Sargent, Tonya Pinkins and Kenita Miller attend the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater)
Date:
11/07/2023
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Tonya Pinkins and CJ Wilson attend the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater )
Date:
11/07/2023
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Off-Broadway Revival, 2015
Mother Courage
[Off-Broadway]
New Federal Theatre & Castillo Theatre Production, 2014
Performer
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2003
Caroline Thibodeaux
Caroline Thibodeaux
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
[Off-Broadway]
1990
Doctor / Architect / Chamebermaid / Younger Lady / Trader / Blackshirt / Ludo / Lawyer
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
Videos
VIDEO: Kelly Ripa Talks ABC DAYTIME: BACK ON BROADWAY, Raising Money for Broadway Cares
by Sarah Leiber - Feb 11, 2021
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer For Tonya Pinkins' Upcoming Political Horror Film, RED PILL
by Stephi Wild - Jun 27, 2020
VIDEO: Andrea McArdle, Kerry Butler, Christopher Jackson & More Unite to Sing 'Tomorrow'
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2020
VIDEO: On This Day, June 19 - HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME Brings Tupac To Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 19, 2019
STAGE TUBE: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Documentary to Hit Theaters; Watch the Official Trailer!
by Stage Tube - Sep 21, 2016
STAGE TUBE: Watch Clips from This Month's ROW J, Featuring FIDDLER Cast, Annaleigh Ashford & More
by Stage Tube - Jan 7, 2016
TV: Chatting with Cynthia Nixon & More on Opening Night of New Group's RASHEEDA SPEAKING
by TV - Opening Night Special - Feb 14, 2015
STAGE TUBE: HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME Star Saul Williams Stops by MORNING JOE
by Stage Tube - Jun 30, 2014
STAGE TUBE: Saul Williams Talks Playing the Lead in HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME on CBS
by Stage Tube - Jun 30, 2014
TV: Chatting with the Company of HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME on Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 21, 2014
News
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala
New York Theatre Workshop's 2025 Gala will honor Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile. Learn more and see how to attend.
New York Theatre Workshop's 2025 Gala will honor Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile. Learn more and see how to attend.
The Apollo Reveals 2025 Winter/Spring Season
The Apollo announced highlights of its Winter/Spring 2025 season performances, exhibitions, and educational programs across its stages in its historic building and at its new Stages at the Victoria.
The Apollo announced highlights of its Winter/Spring 2025 season performances, exhibitions, and educational programs across its stages in its historic building and at its new Stages at the Victoria.
3RD ANNUAL BLACK MOTHERHOOD AND PARENTING NEW PLAY FESTIVAL Streams New Season
Blackboard Plays and the Parent Artist Advocacy League will partner to uplift the stories of Black families for the 3rd Annual Black Motherhood and Parenting New Play Festival.
Blackboard Plays and the Parent Artist Advocacy League will partner to uplift the stories of Black families for the 3rd Annual Black Motherhood and Parenting New Play Festival.
¿Theater Resources Unlimited to Present A Conversation with Tonya Pinkins
Theater Resources Unlimited will present a conversation with Tony winner Tonya Pinkins this month. Join the TRU Community Gathering via Zoom to discuss her career as an actress, filmmaker, and activist. Learn how to attend.
Theater Resources Unlimited will present a conversation with Tony winner Tonya Pinkins this month. Join the TRU Community Gathering via Zoom to discuss her career as an actress, filmmaker, and activist. Learn how to attend.
TRU to Present 'Been There, Done It All, Seen It All: The Many Facets Of Irene Gandy'
Theater Resources Unlimited is now in its fourth year of weekly Community Gatherings via Zoom, featuring over 200 conversations since April 2020. This week's session highlights publicist and producer Irene Gandy. Learn how to attend.
Theater Resources Unlimited is now in its fourth year of weekly Community Gatherings via Zoom, featuring over 200 conversations since April 2020. This week's session highlights publicist and producer Irene Gandy. Learn how to attend.
The Actors Center To Launch New Mentorship Program for Emerging Artists
The Actors Center will launch a new Mentorship Program for Emerging Artists, scheduled to begin in October 2024. Learn more about the program.
The Actors Center will launch a new Mentorship Program for Emerging Artists, scheduled to begin in October 2024. Learn more about the program.
Harlem9 Celebrates Iconic Black Political Speeches On The Heels Of The Democratic National Convention
On the heels of the Democratic National Convention, Harlem9, is celebrating Black political speeches by iconic Black leaders in their 14th Annual '48Hours in...Harlem' on Sunday, August 25, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
On the heels of the Democratic National Convention, Harlem9, is celebrating Black political speeches by iconic Black leaders in their 14th Annual '48Hours in...Harlem' on Sunday, August 25, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Nyla Watson Brings AN ODE TO AUDRA to 54 Below
54 Below will present Hadestown star Nyla Watson in An Ode to Audra on Sunday, August 18 at 9:30pm with a livestream option at 9:45pm ET.
54 Below will present Hadestown star Nyla Watson in An Ode to Audra on Sunday, August 18 at 9:30pm with a livestream option at 9:45pm ET.
Harlem9 Partners With Arts Council Of Greater Baton Rouge For Inaugural 48HOURS IN…™BATON ROUGE
Harlem9 is heading down south once again, for the inaugural “48Hours in…Baton Rouge” in partnership with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and the national One Nation One Project campaign, “Arts for Everybody” that will culminate on Saturday, July 27 at 7pm.
Harlem9 is heading down south once again, for the inaugural “48Hours in…Baton Rouge” in partnership with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and the national One Nation One Project campaign, “Arts for Everybody” that will culminate on Saturday, July 27 at 7pm.
Tonya Pinkins to Star in TURNING 15 ON THE ROAD TO FREEDOM at IBTF
Experience a powerful civil rights gospel musical with Tonya Pinkins and choirs from historically Black high schools at IBTF on 7/31. Enjoy a free performance and participate in an onsite voter drive.
Experience a powerful civil rights gospel musical with Tonya Pinkins and choirs from historically Black high schools at IBTF on 7/31. Enjoy a free performance and participate in an onsite voter drive.
North Carolina Black Repertory Reveals Program For International Black Theatre Festival
North Carolina Black Repertory Company has announced the mainstage program for its 18th biennial International Black Theatre Festival, taking place July 29-August 3 in Winston-Salem, NC.
North Carolina Black Repertory Company has announced the mainstage program for its 18th biennial International Black Theatre Festival, taking place July 29-August 3 in Winston-Salem, NC.
Natalie Joy Johnson Joins NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub
Natalie Joy Johnson joins the cast of NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub on June 3. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Natalie Joy Johnson joins the cast of NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub on June 3. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld May 30, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 30, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 30, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Graham, Henson, Zuraitis, and More to Headline NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub
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 play at Joe's Pub on Monday, June 3.
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 play at Joe's Pub on Monday, June 3.
Justin Vivian Bond to be Honored With Judy Icon Award From NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS
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 honor Mx Justin Vivian. Learn more.
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 honor Mx Justin Vivian. Learn more.
Kenita R. Miller, Julia Murney and More Will Take Part in WATCHER IN THE WOODS Reading
Producers announced an industry reading of the new musical in development WATCHER IN THE WOODS. Check out all of the details on who will star and who leads the creative team here.
Producers announced an industry reading of the new musical in development WATCHER IN THE WOODS. Check out all of the details on who will star and who leads the creative team here.
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.
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.
Are There Many Musicals About the Same Subject?
This time, the reader question was: With The Great Gatsby musicals happening now, are there other examples of musicals about the same subject?
This time, the reader question was: With The Great Gatsby musicals happening now, are there other examples of musicals about the same subject?
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.
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!
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!
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?
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play (The Lortels) for A Raisin in the Sun, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Rasheeda Speaking, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Rasheeda Speaking, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (The Lortels) for Rasheeda Speaking, Outstanding Featured Actress (The Lortels) for Milk Like Sugar , Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Black Pearl Sings!, Best Actress In A Musical (Olivier Awards) for Caroline, Or Change, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Performance (Obie Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Caroline, or Change , Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Caroline, or Change, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Play On!, Best Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam , Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam.
What awards has Tonya Pinkins won?
Tonya Pinkins has won several prestigious awards, 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 in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Caroline, or Change; Performance at the Obie Awards for Caroline, or Change; Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for Caroline, or Change; Best Actress in a 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.
Videos