Tonya Pinkins
Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA
Video: THE WILD PARTY First Day with the Encores! Orchestra (Feb 27, 2026)
2026 TRU LOVE BENEFIT Celebrated Tonya Pinkins, Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane (Feb 15, 2026)
Final Days to Participate in 2026 TRU Love Benefit Online Auction (Feb 13, 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: 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
STAGE TUBE: HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME Star Saul Williams Stops by MORNING JOE
by Stage Tube - 2014-06-30 12:06:59
STAGE TUBE: Saul Williams Talks Playing the Lead in HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME on CBS
by Stage Tube - 2014-06-30 12:02:53
VIDEO: All New Cast Featurette for Broadway's HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME!
by Caryn Robbins - 2014-06-30 11:10:05
News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
The Wild Party will be presented at New York City Center Encores! this spring. You can now get a look inside the first day with the Encores! orchestra for the production in a new video.
by Gillian Blum - Feb 15, 2026
Despite sub-zero temperatures, a nearly full house of theater lovers braved the cold to come together for a warm celebration at Green Room 42 in Manhattan, on Sunday, February 8.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2026
This Sunday marks the last opportunity to bid in the 2026 TRU Love Benefit Online Auction, featuring exclusive items like Broadway show tickets and unique memorabilia. The event supports Theater Resources Unlimited and the arts.
by - Feb 11, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 11, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2026
Theater Resources Unlimited honored Tonya Pinkins and BroadwayHD at its 2026 TRU Love Benefit, celebrating leadership, advocacy, and innovation in theater.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2026
The complete cast has been set for New York City Center Encores! The Wild Party. Original Broadway cast member Tonya Pinkins returns to the show, this time as Dolores Montoya.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2026
Theater Resources Unlimited has announced updated casting and honorees for its upcoming TRU Love Benefit. The annual fundraiser will celebrate leaders in theater production, digital access, and humanitarian advocacy.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 29, 2026
Theater Resources Unlimited will present its 2026 TRU Love Benefit honoring leaders and artists from the theater community. The event will feature performances by Broadway veterans and emerging artists, along with awards recognizing artistic and humanitarian contributions.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026
The date has been set for the 70th Drama Desk Awards! The 2026 Drama Desk Awards will be held at The Town Hall on May 17, 2026. Learn more about the event here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 9, 2026
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) will present the 2026 TRU Love Benefit, honoring respected members of the theater community. Producers Bonnie Comley & Stewart Lane will be given the TRU Spirit of Theater Award.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2026
FRIGID New York and The Apollo will present the 17th season of the Obie Award-winning The Fire This Time Festival, a platform for playwrights of African and African-American descent to write and produce evocative material for diverse audiences.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2025
Joy Behar’s new comedy My First Ex-Husband will return The Huntington's Calderwood Pavilion. Behar will return to the stage again in her featured role, along with a cast of stars from theatre, television, and film.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 11, 2025
TRUSpeak: Hear Our Voices! will return in a new on-demand edition featuring four short plays adapted for virtual performance. The yearly fundraising event will showcase a broad ensemble of theater artists, with tickets offered as tax-deductible donations.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2025
TRUSpeak... Hear Our Voices! 2025 will present special appearances by Emmy and Oscar winner Allison Janney, Tony winner Joanna Gleason and transgender activist Shakina Nayfack.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025
Theater Resources Unlimited has revealed the cast for TRUSPEAK... Hear Our Voices! 2025, an evening of virtual short plays, followed by a virtual after-party, featuring Tonya Pinkins and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2025
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) will present TRUSPEAK... Hear Our Voices! 2025, an evening of virtual short plays, followed by a virtual after-party.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 30, 2025
Theater Resources Unlimited will present TRUSpeak… Hear Our Voices! 2025 on November 16, featuring four virtual short plays addressing social issues and artistic resilience.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 24, 2025
The Actors Center, a national leader in the creative development of actors, has announced the addition of 32 new members to its Resident Company, a one-of-a-kind program that supports over 300 artists working across theater, film, and television.
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025
On Monday, October 20, director Kenny Leon hosted a special Broadway Tastemaker event celebrating Nia DaCosta's new film reimagining of Hedda Gabler, with several Broadway stars in attendance. Check out photos from the event here!
by R. Scott Reedy - Sep 18, 2025
On ABC-TV’s top-rated daytime talk show “The View,” Joy Behar has a well-earned reputation as an insightful interviewer with a keen sense of humor.
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.
Tonya Pinkins has received several prestigious awards throughout her career. She won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play from The Lortel Awards for Rasheeda Speaking and Outstanding Featured Actress from The Lortel Awards for Milk Like Sugar. She also earned the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Caroline, or Change, as well as an Obie Award for her performance in the same production. Additionally, she received the Outstanding Lead Actress award from The Lortel Awards for Caroline, or Change. For her role in Jelly's Last Jam, Pinkins won the Best Actress in a Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards.
Videos