Tonya Pinkins
Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA
Latest News on Tonya Pinkins:
Review: Segerstrom Center's Cabaret Series Welcomes Broadway Talents to the OC (Feb 8, 2025)
Review Roundup: Joy Behar's MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND Off-Broadway (Feb 7, 2025)
New York Theatre Workshop Announces Additional Performers And Presenters For Their 2025 Annual Gala (Jan 30, 2025)
Review: Segerstrom Center's Cabaret Series Welcomes Broadway Talents to the OC (Feb 8, 2025)
Review Roundup: Joy Behar's MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND Off-Broadway (Feb 7, 2025)
New York Theatre Workshop Announces Additional Performers And Presenters For Their 2025 Annual Gala (Jan 30, 2025)
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: Susie Essman Talks Starring In MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND with Best Friend Joy Behar on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-01-17 15:34:07
VIDEO: Kelly Ripa Talks ABC DAYTIME: BACK ON BROADWAY, Raising Money for Broadway Cares
by Sarah Leiber - 2021-02-11 14:11:09
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer For Tonya Pinkins' Upcoming Political Horror Film, RED PILL
by Stephi Wild - 2020-06-27 09:38:05
VIDEO: Andrea McArdle, Kerry Butler, Christopher Jackson & More Unite to Sing 'Tomorrow'
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-04-24 12:00:45
VIDEO: On This Day, June 19 - HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME Brings Tupac To Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - 2019-06-19 12:01:00
VIDEO: Get A First Look At the Revised HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME in Atlanta
by Alan Henry - 2017-09-20 14:14:51
STAGE TUBE: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Documentary to Hit Theaters; Watch the Official Trailer!
by Stage Tube - 2016-09-21 11:43:21
STAGE TUBE: Watch Clips from This Month's ROW J, Featuring FIDDLER Cast, Annaleigh Ashford & More
by Stage Tube - 2016-01-07 17:29:35
VIDEO: STEVE's Director Cynthia Nixon Clowns With Cast Member Mario Cantone
by Michael Dale - 2015-11-16 17:18:40
TV: Chatting with Cynthia Nixon & More on Opening Night of New Group's RASHEEDA SPEAKING
by TV - Opening Night Special - 2015-02-14 08:00:52
STAGE TUBE: HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME Star Saul Williams Stops by MORNING JOE
by Stage Tube - 2014-06-30 12:06:59
STAGE TUBE: Saul Williams Talks Playing the Lead in HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME on CBS
by Stage Tube - 2014-06-30 12:02:53
VIDEO: All New Cast Featurette for Broadway's HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME!
by Caryn Robbins - 2014-06-30 11:10:05
News
Review: Segerstrom Center's Cabaret Series Welcomes Broadway Talents to the OC
by Michael Quintos - Feb 8, 2025
For two weekends in a row in January 2025, Segerstrom Center for the Arts presented some powerhouse talents from the world of Broadway to their enjoyable Cabaret Series. First up was the returning Jason Robert Brown, the Tony Award-winning composer of musicals such as PARADE and THE LAST FIVE YEARS joined by a new special guest, Tony Award-winner Anika Noni Rose. The following weekend, the Samueli Theatre then opened its doors to Tony nominee Kerry Butler’s hilarious one-woman comedy cabaret 'Breaking Broadway.'
by Michael Quintos - Feb 8, 2025
For two weekends in a row in January 2025, Segerstrom Center for the Arts presented some powerhouse talents from the world of Broadway to their enjoyable Cabaret Series. First up was the returning Jason Robert Brown, the Tony Award-winning composer of musicals such as PARADE and THE LAST FIVE YEARS joined by a new special guest, Tony Award-winner Anika Noni Rose. The following weekend, the Samueli Theatre then opened its doors to Tony nominee Kerry Butler’s hilarious one-woman comedy cabaret 'Breaking Broadway.'
Review Roundup: Joy Behar's MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025
The world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND, a new show by Joy Behar, directed by Randal Myler, is now officially open Off-Broadway at MMAC Theater. See what the critics are saying and read the reviews.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025
The world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND, a new show by Joy Behar, directed by Randal Myler, is now officially open Off-Broadway at MMAC Theater. See what the critics are saying and read the reviews.
New York Theatre Workshop Announces Additional Performers And Presenters For Their 2025 Annual Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2025
New York Theatre Workshop has announced additional performers and presenters for the NYTW 2025 Gala, honoring Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2025
New York Theatre Workshop has announced additional performers and presenters for the NYTW 2025 Gala, honoring Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile.
Video: Susie Essman Talks Starring In MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND with Best Friend Joy Behar on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 17, 2025
Ahead of its off-Broadway run, Susie Essman stopped by The View to discuss Joy Behar's new show My First Ex-Husband, working with her friend, and more. Watch the interview!
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 17, 2025
Ahead of its off-Broadway run, Susie Essman stopped by The View to discuss Joy Behar's new show My First Ex-Husband, working with her friend, and more. Watch the interview!
Susan Lucci, Gina Gershon & More Join Joy Behar's MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 14, 2025
Additional cast members are joining the world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND, a new show by comedy maven Joy Behar Off-Broadway. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 14, 2025
Additional cast members are joining the world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND, a new show by comedy maven Joy Behar Off-Broadway. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Bronx Poet Caridad De La Luz To Be Honored At 6th Annual 48HOURS IN…EL BRONX
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 11, 2025
Kicking off 2025, Harlem9 partners with Pregones/PRTT for the 6th time to celebrate Bronx Healing through the poetry of NuYorican Poet’s Café Executive Director, Caridad De la Luz a.k.a. “La Bruja” on Sunday, February 9, at 6PM and 8:30PM.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 11, 2025
Kicking off 2025, Harlem9 partners with Pregones/PRTT for the 6th time to celebrate Bronx Healing through the poetry of NuYorican Poet’s Café Executive Director, Caridad De la Luz a.k.a. “La Bruja” on Sunday, February 9, at 6PM and 8:30PM.
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2024
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.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2024
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
by Team BWW - Dec 5, 2024
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.
by Team BWW - Dec 5, 2024
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
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 1, 2024
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.
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 1, 2024
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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 26, 2024
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.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 26, 2024
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'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 19, 2024
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.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 19, 2024
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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 27, 2024
The Actors Center will launch a new Mentorship Program for Emerging Artists, scheduled to begin in October 2024. Learn more about the program.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 27, 2024
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
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 25, 2024
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.
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 25, 2024
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
by Stephi Wild - Jul 24, 2024
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.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 24, 2024
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
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2024
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.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2024
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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2024
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.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2024
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
by Stephi Wild - Jun 4, 2024
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.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 4, 2024
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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 30, 2024
Natalie Joy Johnson joins the cast of NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub on June 3. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 30, 2024
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
by - 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.
by - 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.
Graham, Henson, Zuraitis, and More to Headline NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub
by Blair Ingenthron - May 20, 2024
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.
by Blair Ingenthron - May 20, 2024
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.
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 the following awards: - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (The Lortels) for Rasheeda Speaking - Outstanding Featured Actress (The Lortels) for Milk Like Sugar - Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Caroline, or Change - Performance (Obie Awards) for Caroline, or Change - Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Caroline, or Change - Best Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam.
Videos