Tonya Pinkins
Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA
Harlem9 Reveals Six Playwrights for 48HOURS IN…HARLEM Tribute to Woodie King Jr. (May 15, 2026)
Tony-Winner Tonya Pinkins To Lead GETTING MARRIED Reading at The Players Club (May 7, 2026)
Nathan Lee Graham, Claybourne Elder and More to Headline 14th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS (May 5, 2026)
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 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 )
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)
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 )
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 )
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 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 )
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
STAGE CREDITS
Awards and Nominations
Tonya Pinkins, A Raisin in the Sun
Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking
Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking
winner
Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking
winner
Tonya Pinkins, Milk Like Sugar
Tonya PinkinsBlack Pearl Sings!
Tonya PinkinsCaroline, Or Change
winner
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
winner
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
winner
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
Tonya Pinkins, Play On!
winner
Tonya Pinkins, Jelly's Last Jam
Tonya Pinkins, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Tonya Pinkins , Jelly's Last Jam
Videos
Video: Tonya Pinkins Sings 'When It Ends' from THE WILD PARTY at New York City Center Encores!
by Gillian Blum - 2026-03-28 19:22:45
Video: Jordan Donica Sings 'Wouldn't It Be Nice?' in Encores! THE WILD PARTY
by Michael Major - 2026-03-27 11:18:41
Video: Jasmine Amy Rogers & Adrienne Warren Sing 'Best Friend' in THE WILD PARTY
by Michael Major - 2026-03-23 12:51:10
Video: Why THE WILD PARTY is an 'Unusual' Production for Encores!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2026-03-11 13:51:24
Video: Inside Rehearsal For THE WILD PARTY at New York City Center
by Michael Major - 2026-03-10 12:06:15
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
News
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2026
Obie Award-winning Harlem9 announced six playwrights, including Kermit Frazier, Kristen Adele Calhoun, and Naomi Lorrain, for 48HOURS IN…HARLEM®, marking 15 years of the festival with a tribute to the late Woodie King Jr.
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026
Gingold Theatrical Group announced casting for George Bernard Shaw's GETTING MARRIED, featuring Tony winner Tonya Pinkins and an ensemble cast, directed by David Staller at The Players Club in New York.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2026
Nathan Lee Graham, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Claybourne Elder, and more will headline 14th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys,” the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center at Joe’s Pub.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 22, 2026
Billy Porter will soon return to the stage as Albin in the upcoming Encores! production of La Cage aux Folles, starring opposite Wayne Brady as Georges. Watch Porter praise the talents of his co-star during a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s Bevelations.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2026
Raúl Esparza and Helen J Shen will announce the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards nominations next week. Learn more about the upcoming event and the awards ceremony here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 17, 2026
After a one-year hiatus, HARLEM9 will present 48HOURS IN…HARLEM®, honoring the late Woodie King Jr. and New Federal Theatre, with six new 10-minute plays inspired by NFT's catalog.
by - Apr 15, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 15, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2026
The complete cast has been revealed for Encores! La Cage Aux Folles. Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins joins the cast as Jacqueline, along with Peter Francis James as Edouard, and Rachel Webb as Anne.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 6, 2026
The 14th 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 on Monday, June 1.
by Gillian Blum - Mar 28, 2026
Watch Tonya Pinkins sing 'When It Ends' from The Wild Party at New York City Center Encores! in this video from the production, which runs until March 29.
by Team BWW - Mar 27, 2026
What’s happening Off-Broadway this spring? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this season. Spring 2026 is packed with exciting revivals, new works, and star-powered productions.
by Michael Major - Mar 27, 2026
Watch a new video of Tony Nominee Jordan Donica performing 'Wouldn't It Be Nice?'in The Wild Party. The acclaimed production of Michael John LaChiusa's musical must close at New York City Center on March 29.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 24, 2026
Kyra Sedgwick will direct the industry reading of THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD, a new play by Rob Sedgwick, on March 27 in New York City. The event features a star-studded cast and explores media's impact on activism.
by Michael Major - Mar 24, 2026
Watch Tony nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers and Jelani Alladin sing 'People Like Us' in newly-released footage from The Wild Party. Check out the new video now!
by Michael Major - Mar 23, 2026
New York City Center Encores! has released new video footage of Tony nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers and Tony winner Adrienne Warren performing 'Best Friend' from The Wild Party. Watch the video!
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 19, 2026
The Wild Party is in full swing and is currently in performances at New York City Center Encores! Go inside opening night of the starry new production in new photos from the curtain call and after party!
by Michael Major - Mar 19, 2026
Watch new video footage from The Wild Party at New York City Center Encores!, featuring Jasmine Amy Rogers, Adrienne Warren, Tonya Pinkins, Jelani Alladin, Wesley J. Barnes, Jordan Donica, and more.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2026
Check out newly released photos of The Wild Party, currently in performances at New York City Center Encores! The production features Jasmine Amy Rogers (Queenie), Adrienne Warren (Kate), Tonya Pinkins (Dolores Montoya), Jelani Alladin (Black), and more!
by - Mar 12, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 12, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Luka Vonier - Mar 11, 2026
The Wild Party is being presented at New York City Center Encores! The production features Jasmine Amy Rogers, Adrienne Warren and more. Hear from Tonya Pinkins, director Lili-Anne Brown and others from the company.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tonya Pinkins has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.
Tonya Pinkins has not appeared in the West End.
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.
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; and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam.
Videos
