Tonya Pinkins
Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA
Latest News on Tonya Pinkins:
Allison Janney, Joanna Gleason and Shakina Nayfack to Join TRUSpeak... Hear Our Voices! (Nov 13, 2025)
Tonya Pinkins, Sky Lakota-Lynch and More to Join TRUSPEAK … Hear Our Voices! 2025 (Nov 6, 2025)
Theater Resources Unlimited to Present TRUSPEAK… Hear Our Voices! 2025 (Oct 30, 2025)
Allison Janney, Joanna Gleason and Shakina Nayfack to Join TRUSpeak... Hear Our Voices! (Nov 13, 2025)
Tonya Pinkins, Sky Lakota-Lynch and More to Join TRUSPEAK … Hear Our Voices! 2025 (Nov 6, 2025)
Theater Resources Unlimited to Present TRUSPEAK… Hear Our Voices! 2025 (Oct 30, 2025)
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 )
Date:
11/07/2023
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)
Date:
11/07/2023
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 )
Date:
11/07/2023
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 )
Date:
11/07/2023
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 )
Date:
11/07/2023
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Off-Broadway Revival, 2015
Mother Courage
[Off-Broadway]
New Federal Theatre & Castillo Theatre Production, 2014
Performer
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2004
Caroline Thibodeaux
Performer
Caroline Thibodeaux
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Off-Broadway]
1990
Doctor / Architect / Chamebermaid / Younger Lady / Trader / Blackshirt / Ludo / Lawyer
Awards and Nominations
The Lortels - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play
Tonya Pinkins, A Raisin in the Sun
Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Play
Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Play
Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking
winner
The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play
Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking
winner
The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actress
Tonya Pinkins, Milk Like Sugar
Helen Hayes Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play
Tonya PinkinsBlack Pearl Sings!
Olivier Awards - 2007 - Best Actress In A Musical
Tonya PinkinsCaroline, Or Change
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress - Musical
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
winner
Obie Awards - 2004 - Performance
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
winner
The Lortels - 2004 - Outstanding Lead Actress
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Tonya Pinkins, Caroline, or Change
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Tonya Pinkins, Play On!
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Actress - Musical
Tonya Pinkins, Jelly's Last Jam
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical
Tonya Pinkins, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
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
Allison Janney, Joanna Gleason and Shakina Nayfack to Join TRUSpeak... Hear Our Voices!
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 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.
Tonya Pinkins, Sky Lakota-Lynch and More to Join TRUSPEAK … Hear Our Voices! 2025
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 - 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.
Theater Resources Unlimited to Present TRUSPEAK… Hear Our Voices! 2025
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 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.
Theater Resources Unlimited To Present TRUSPEAK… HEAR OUR VOICES! 2025
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 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.
The Actors Center Welcomes 32 New Members To Its Resident Company
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 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.
Photos: Kenny Leon, Lencia Kebede, & More Attend HEDDA Tastemaker Event
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 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!
Interview: Joy Behar Talks Finding the Humor in Divorce in MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND at The Huntington
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.
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.
Joy Behar, Tonya Pinkins and More to Star in MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND at The Huntington
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 15, 2025
The Huntington will host the hilarious My First Ex-Husband, a new comedy by Joy Behar and featuring a cast of stars from theatre, television, and film including Joy Behar and more. See how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 15, 2025
The Huntington will host the hilarious My First Ex-Husband, a new comedy by Joy Behar and featuring a cast of stars from theatre, television, and film including Joy Behar and more. See how to purchase tickets.
Actor Terrence Clowe to Appear in New Lifetime Original Movie PRETTY HURTS
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 23, 2025
Stage and screen performer Terrence Clowe is transforming into pageant perfectionist alongside Haylie Duff in the upcoming Lifetime original movie, PRETTY HURTS, premiering on June 28th.
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 23, 2025
Stage and screen performer Terrence Clowe is transforming into pageant perfectionist alongside Haylie Duff in the upcoming Lifetime original movie, PRETTY HURTS, premiering on June 28th.
Photos: Exclusive Look at the Art For the NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS 2025 Judy Art Auction
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2025
The 13th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys” will host its 2025 Judy Art Auction. We've have an exclusive look at the art in these photos! Learn more about the event here.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2025
The 13th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys” will host its 2025 Judy Art Auction. We've have an exclusive look at the art in these photos! Learn more about the event here.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld May 30, 2025
by - May 30, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 30, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - May 30, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 30, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Bruce Vilanch to Join 13th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025
Two-time Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch has joined the cast of the 13th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys,” at Joe's Pub. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025
Two-time Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch has joined the cast of the 13th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys,” at Joe's Pub. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Lea DeLaria, NaTasha Yvette Williams and More to Headline 13th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 13, 2025
Grammy winner and Tony nominee NaTasha Yvette Williams, SAG Award winner Lea DeLaria, and more will headline the 13th annual Night of a Thousand Judys at Joe's Pub. Learn how to purchase tickets!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 13, 2025
Grammy winner and Tony nominee NaTasha Yvette Williams, SAG Award winner Lea DeLaria, and more will headline the 13th annual Night of a Thousand Judys at Joe's Pub. Learn how to purchase tickets!
13th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS is Coming to Joe's Pub in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025
The 13th 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 this summer. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025
The 13th 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 this summer. Learn more!
Video: Joy Behar Shares Inspiration for Off-Broadway Show MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 20, 2025
In February, My First Ex-Husband debuted at off-Broadway's MMAC Theater. The show consists of a series of stories written by comedian and host of The View, Joy Behar, who based them on real-life experiences. Watch her interview on Sherri now!
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 20, 2025
In February, My First Ex-Husband debuted at off-Broadway's MMAC Theater. The show consists of a series of stories written by comedian and host of The View, Joy Behar, who based them on real-life experiences. Watch her interview on Sherri now!
Veanne Cox to Join MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND Off-Broadway Tonight
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025
Veanne Cox will join the cast of the world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND by Joy Behar at MMAC Theater. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025
Veanne Cox will join the cast of the world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND by Joy Behar at MMAC Theater. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Top Off-Broadway Shows for March 2025
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 1, 2025
What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre in the month of March, including world premiere plays, starry revivals, and more.
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 1, 2025
What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre in the month of March, including world premiere plays, starry revivals, and more.
Broadway And Film Communities To Pay Tribute To Ron Simons At Joe's Pub
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2025
A gathering of Broadway and film's influential voices, along with family, friends, and colleagues, will come together at Joe's Pub for an intimate tribute honoring Ron Simons, the four-time Tony Award-winning producer. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2025
A gathering of Broadway and film's influential voices, along with family, friends, and colleagues, will come together at Joe's Pub for an intimate tribute honoring Ron Simons, the four-time Tony Award-winning producer. Learn more!
MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND to Welcome Susan Lucci, Tonya Pinkins and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 26, 2025
The world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND, the new show by comedy maven Joy Behar at Off-Broadway’s newest venue, MMAC Theater is welcoming a new cast! Learn more and see how to attend!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 26, 2025
The world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND, the new show by comedy maven Joy Behar at Off-Broadway’s newest venue, MMAC Theater is welcoming a new cast! Learn more and see how to attend!
Ron Simons Tribute Announced At Joe's Pub This Week
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 26, 2025
A gathering of Broadway and film's influential voices, along with family, friends, and colleagues, will come together at Joe's Pub for an intimate tribute honoring Ron Simons, the four-time Tony Award-winning producer.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 26, 2025
A gathering of Broadway and film's influential voices, along with family, friends, and colleagues, will come together at Joe's Pub for an intimate tribute honoring Ron Simons, the four-time Tony Award-winning producer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Tonya Pinkins been in?
Tonya Pinkins has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.
How many West End shows has Tonya Pinkins been in?
Tonya Pinkins has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Tonya Pinkins been nominated for?
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.
What awards has Tonya Pinkins won?
Tonya Pinkins has won several prestigious awards, including 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, and a Performance award (Obie Awards) for Caroline, or Change. She also received 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