Tonya Pinkins

At A Glance

Ms. Pinkins attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she studied theater, music, and dance. Leaving school, she moved to New York after landing a role in Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, then went on to appear in An Ounce Of Prevention, Just Say No, Caucasian Chalk Circle, and Little Shop of Horrors on the New York stage. Pinkins' portrayal of Sweet Anita in the Broadway musical Jelly's Last Jam earned her a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award, and the Clarence Derwent Award.

Her additional Broadway credits include The Wild Party, House of Flowers, and the title role in Caroline or Change, for which she also received a Tony award nomination.

Ms. Pinkin's completed a memoir entitled Trial of Faith, a solo show called Defining Moments, and an album called Live at Joe's Pub.

Acting Portfolio: TELEVISION

University Hospital
Nurse Mary Jenkins
1995

Against Their Will: Women in Prison
Sondra
1994

Strapped
A.T.F. Officer
1993

All My Children
Olivia "Livia" Frye
1991-1995; December 18, 2003 to 2004; April 20, 2006 to June 29, 2006; January 12, 2007 to March 28, 2007; June 5, 2007 to July 6, 2007; December 6, 2007 to December 27, 2007; April 7, 2008 to April 14, 2008; January 15, 2009 to February 10, 2009

The Cosby Show
Iris, in episode: "Elvin Pays for Dinner" (episode # 6.13)
January 4, 1990

Rage of Angels: The Story Continues
Sharon
1986

As the World Turns
Heather Dalton
1983 to 1986

American Dream
1981

Acting Portfolio: FILM

Romance & Cigarettes
Female Medic
2005

Love Hurts
Auntie V
2002

Above the Rim
Mailika
1994

See No Evil, Hear No Evil
Leslie
1989

Beat Street
Angela

Acting Portfolio: THEATRE

Caroline, or Change
Caroline Thibodeaux
2007
in London

Caroline, or Change
Caroline Thibodeaux
May 2, 2004 - Aug 29, 2004
on Broadway

The Wild Party
Kate
Apr 13, 2000 - Jun 11, 2000
on Broadway

Play On!
Lady Liv
Mar 20, 1997 - May 11, 1997
on Broadway

Chronicle of a Death Foretold
Clotilde
Jun 15, 1995 - Jul 16, 1995
on Broadway

Jelly's Last Jam
Anita
Apr 26, 1992 - Sep 5, 1993
on Broadway

Merrily We Roll Along
Gwen Wilson
Nov 16, 1981 - Nov 28, 1981
on Broadway

Awards & Acclaim

Tony Award Best Featured Actress in a Musical (1992, Jelly's Last Jam)
Tony Award Nomination, Best Actress in a Musical (1997, Play On!)
Tony Award Nomination, Best Featured Actress in a Musical (2004, Caroline, or Change)
Drama Desk Award Lead Actress in a Musical
Drama Desk Award Nomination, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (2004)
Clarence Derwent Award Lead Actress in a Musical
Clarence Derwent Award Nomination, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (2004)
Lucille Lortel Award Outstanding Actress (2004)
Drama League Distinguished Performance Award Nomination (2004)

Vital Statistics

PLACE OF BIRTH: Chicago, Illinois

DATE OF BIRTH: May 30, 1962