Tonya Pinkins
Pine Valley Presence
Olivia "Livia" Frye (1991-1995, December 18th, 2003 to Present)
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 most recently playing 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 18th, 2003 to Present
The Cosby Show
Iris, in episode: "Elvin Pays for Dinner" (episode # 6.13)
January 4th, 1990
Rage of Angels: The Story Continues
Sharon
1986
As the World Turns
Heather Dalton
1983-1986
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
Clarence Derwent Award Lead Actress in a Musical
Lucille Lortel Award Outstanding Actress (2004)
Drama League Distinguished Performance Award Nomination (2004)
Drama Desk Award Nomination, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (2004)
Clarence Derwent Award Nomination, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (2004)
PLACE OF BIRTH: Chicago, Illinois
DATE OF BIRTH: May 30th, 1962
News Archives
News Archive:
Tonya Pinkins returning to AMC after 8 year absence. [Nov 24th, 2003]
News Archive: Tony winner Pinkins among AMC vets dropped to recurring status. [Jun 27th, 2006]
