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Lori Tan Chinn

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BIO

Lori Tan Chinn is an American actress and comedian. She played a recurring character in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black and Awkwafina's grandmother on Comedy Central's Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens (2020–2023). Chinn began her acting career on Broadway, where she played Miss Higa Jiga in Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen (1970). She was also a notable member of the Katherine Dunham Company and performed African dance with Syvilla Fort.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Half Time Half Time
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
East Coast Premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse, 2018
Mae
Gotta Dance Gotta Dance
[Chicago]
Chicago Pre-Broadway Production, 2015
Mae
M. Butterfly
[Broadway]
1988
Comrade Chin
Shu Fang
Suzuki
G. R. Point
[Broadway]
1979
Mama-San
North Atlantic
[Off-Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1977
Performer
Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1970
Miss Higa Jiga
Okinawan/American

Movies

Author! Author!
[ 1982 ] Mrs. Woo
She-Devil
[ 1989 ] Vesta Rose Woman
What About Bob?
[ 1991 ] Bus Driver
Glengarry Glen Ross
[ 1992 ] Coat Check Girl
Living in Oblivion
[ 1995 ] Costume Designer
Ransom
[ 1996 ] Woman on Street #3
Mickey Blue Eyes
[ 1999 ] Chinese Restaurant Owner
From Other Worlds
[ 2004 ] Mrs. Kim
Year of the Fish
[ 2007 ] Shuk Yee
The Guitar
[ 2008 ] Mrs. Tzu
Final Recipe
[ 2013 ] Mrs. Wang
Chloe and Theo
[ 2015 ] Landlady
Turning Red
[ 2022 ] Auntie Chen
Kung Fu Panda 4
[ 2024 ] Granny Boar
31 Candles
[ 2025 ] Jaya

TV Shows

Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens
Grandma
Orange Is the New Black
Mei Chang
Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld
Gugu
A Man on the Inside
Susan Yang

Awards and Nominations


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical

Lori Tan ChinnSouth Pacific

Videos

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News


Photos: Dancers 0ver 40 Hosts 16th Annual Legacy Awards Photo
Photos: Dancers 0ver 40 Hosts 16th Annual Legacy Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 11, 2024

Dancers Over 40 celebrated five performers at it's 16th Annual Legacy Awards and Holiday Dinner Monday, December 9th 2024. Check out photos from the celebration.
Exclusive: André De Shields Grand Marshals the NYC Village Halloween Parade Photo
Exclusive: André De Shields Grand Marshals the NYC Village Halloween Parade
by Team BWW - Nov 1, 2024

The 51st Annual NYC Village Halloween Parade was off the charts with Tony, Grammy and Emmy winning Broadway legend André De Shields as Grand Marshal, riding on a custom designed float by Richard W. Prouse. Check out exclusive photos here!
Video: Netflix Drops First Trailer for A MAN ON THE INSIDE Starring Ted Danson Photo
Video: Netflix Drops First Trailer for A MAN ON THE INSIDE Starring Ted Danson
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 28, 2024

Netflix has released the first trailer for  A Man on the Inside, a new comedy series from creator Mike Schur and starring Ted Danson. A Man on the Inside premieres this November 21, 2024 on Netflix. Watch the trailer now!
Photos: Alec Mapa Returns to the Laurie Beechman Theatre Photo
Photos: Alec Mapa Returns to the Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Bruce Glikas - Sep 24, 2024

Actor and comedian Alec Mapa just returned to the Laurie Beechman Theater with the World Premiere of his new standup show HA! PENIS! Check out photos from inside the big night here!
Photos: Karen Mason Sings Encore Performance of Jule Styne Celebration at Birdland Photo
Photos: Karen Mason Sings Encore Performance of Jule Styne Celebration at Birdland
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2024

Birdland presented the return of singer Karen Mason in an encore performance of “Just in Styne: Karen Sings Jule” on Monday, September 16. Check out photos here!
Photos: Netflix Debuts First Look for A MAN ON THE INSIDE Starring Ted Danson Photo
Photos: Netflix Debuts First Look for A MAN ON THE INSIDE Starring Ted Danson
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 26, 2024

Netflix has debuted a first look at A Man on the Inside (formerly known as A Classic Spy), a new comedy series from creator Mike Schur and starring Ted Danson. In the series, Charles (Danson), a retired man, gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad from a PI and becomes a mole in a secret investigation. Take a look at the new photos here!
Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of POOR YELLA REDNECKS at MTC Photo
Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of POOR YELLA REDNECKS at MTC
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2023

Take a look at the star-studded opening night of POOR YELLA REDNECKS at MTC.
Video: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Celebrates 1000 Performances Photo
Video: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Celebrates 1000 Performances
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 20, 2023

Little Shop of Horrors celebrated its 1000th performance at Bryant Park Grill. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and we're taking you inside the festivities in this video!
Photos: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Celebrates 1000 Performances Photo
Photos: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Celebrates 1000 Performances
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2023

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS marked a monumental achievement with its 1000th performance. See photos from the celebration below!
HERE LIES LOVE SINGS THE SONGS OF J. OCONER, Linda Eder And More Next Week At 54 Belo Photo
HERE LIES LOVE SINGS THE SONGS OF J. OCONER, Linda Eder And More Next Week At 54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 7, 2023

Next week at 54 Below, the cast of 'Here Lies Love' will be performing the songs of J. Oconer Navar. Don't miss this incredible musical experience!
Norbert Leo Butz, Linda Eder, and More to Play 54 Below Next Month Photo
Norbert Leo Butz, Linda Eder, and More to Play 54 Below Next Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 30, 2023

Check out the lineup of incredible performances at 54 Below this month!
Estelle Parsons, Rachel Dratch & John Cariani Join BROADWAY BOUND 4 at 54 Below Photo
Estelle Parsons, Rachel Dratch & John Cariani Join BROADWAY BOUND 4 at 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 7, 2023

54 Below will be presenting the fourth edition of Broadway Bound: The Musicals That Never Came To Broadway on Friday, October 13th, at 7:00pm at 54 Below.
Review: Toasting The Tony Awards, BACKSTAGE BABBLE Gives 54 Below An Award-Worthy Nig Photo
Review: Toasting The Tony Awards, BACKSTAGE BABBLE Gives 54 Below An Award-Worthy Night
by Rob Lester - Aug 31, 2023

It's never too late to put the spotlight on the Tony Awards and people nominated for them. Read all about it at BroadwayWorld.com in the NYC cabaret section.
Video: Apple TV+ Shares STRANGE PLANET Adult Animated Series Trailer Based on Nathan Photo
Video: Apple TV+ Shares STRANGE PLANET Adult Animated Series Trailer Based on Nathan W. Pyle's Graphic Novel
by Michael Major - Jul 25, 2023

Voicing this world of beings are Tunde Adebimpe (“Rachel Getting Married”), Emmy Award nominee Demi Adejuyigbe (“The Amber Ruffin Show”), Lori Tan Chinn (“Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens”), Critics Choice Award nominee Danny Pudi (“Community”) and Emmy Award nominee Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”). Watch the video trailer!
BACKSTAGE BABBLE, LANGDON ST. IVES: THE STEAMPUNK MUSICAL!, and More to Play 54 Below Photo
BACKSTAGE BABBLE, LANGDON ST. IVES: THE STEAMPUNK MUSICAL!, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 15, 2023

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.
Photos: Inside the JOY RIDE Premiere With Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Daveed Diggs & Photo
Photos: Inside the JOY RIDE Premiere With Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Daveed Diggs & More
by Michael Major - Jun 27, 2023

JOY RIDE stars Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu and Sabrina Wu were joined by their co-stars Annie Mumolo, Alexander Hodge, Baron Davis, Chris Pang, Daniel Dae Kim, David Denman, Debbie Fan, Lori Tan Chinn and Rohain Arora. Check out photos from the premiere now!
Andreas, Kaye, and Skybell Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE LIVE! at 54 Below Photo
Andreas, Kaye, and Skybell Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE LIVE! at 54 Below
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 24, 2023

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, will present the return by popular demand of “Backstage Babble Live!,” which BroadwayWorld called “one of the starriest, most entertaining, and most magical nights of the theater season.” Based on the podcast hosted by 15-year-old expert Charles Kirsch, the concert will feature performances and stories from some of his guests.
Photos: National Asian Artists Project and Baayork Lee Celebrate Gala Fundraiser In Photo
Photos: National Asian Artists Project and Baayork Lee Celebrate Gala Fundraiser In Chinatown
by Team BWW - Jun 5, 2023

On Friday night, June 2, 2023, The Golden Unicorn, in the heart of New York City’s Chinatown, came to vibrant life as supporters of National Asian Artists Project (NAAP) gathered for the first time, since the pandemic. Check out photos from inside the big event!
TEENAGE EUTHANASIA Returns to Adult Swim in July Photo
TEENAGE EUTHANASIA Returns to Adult Swim in July
by Michael Major - May 31, 2023

Set in near-future inland Florida, this series follows the latest undead adventures of the Fantasy family voiced by Maria Bamford (Lady Dynamite), Emmy® Award-winner Bebe Neuwirth (Cheers), Jo Firestone (Joe Pera Talks With You) and Emmy® Award-winner Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson).
Photos: DO40 Gather To Celebrate The Life Of Broadway's Lawrence Merritt Photo
Photos: DO40 Gather To Celebrate The Life Of Broadway's Lawrence Merritt
by A.A. Cristi - May 9, 2023

DO40 celebrated the life of board member Lawrence Merritt (Larry Merritt) on May 7th, 2023, who passed away in January. See photos from inside the event. 
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Lori Tan Chinn been in?

Lori Tan Chinn has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Lori Tan Chinn been in?

Lori Tan Chinn has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Lori Tan Chinn been nominated for?

and Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for South Pacific .

What awards has Lori Tan Chinn won?

Lori Tan Chinn has won the Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical award at the Helen Hayes Awards for her performance in South Pacific.

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