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Tonya Pinkins

Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA

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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

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


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

News


¿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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 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.

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 received several prestigious awards throughout her career, including: - 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.

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