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Tanya Wright (born May 3, 1978)[1] is an American entrepreneur, actress, and author. Born and raised in South Bronx, New York, Wright studied Comparative Literature at Vassar College. After her graduation, she joined the cast of The Cosby Show as Tanya Simpson. She is known for her role as Phyllis Brooks on Buddies, as well as her recurring roles on 24 as Patty Brooks, NYPD Blue as Officer Maya Anderson, on True Blood as Deputy Kenya Jones, and as Crystal on the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black.[2]
 | This article contains promotional content. (May 2022) |
Tanya Wright | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 3, 1978 New York City, U.S. |
| Education | Vassar College (BA) Harvard University (MEd) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Relatives | Sheena Wright (sister) Philip Banks III (brother-in-law) Terence Banks (brother-in-law) David C. Banks (brother-in-law) |
Wright was born on May 3, 1978 in the Bronx[1][3] to a 15-year-old mother, Debra Fraser-Howze, who later became an AIDS activist.[4][5]
Wright is an alumna of the Oliver Scholars Program and graduated high school from George School, a private Quaker school in Pennsylvania. She received a degree in Independent Studies/Comparative Literature at Vassar College.[6] She earned an master's of education from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education in 2022.[7] Her sister, Sheena Wright, is the First Deputy Mayor of New York City and formerly the president of the United Way of New York City.
Wright is well recognised for her iconic television parts. Wright appeared in several television shows early in her acting career, including "The Cosby Show" (1984–1992), "Family Matters" (CBS, 1989–1998), and "Parker Lewis" (Fox, 1990–92). She also starred in the television series "Living Single" (Fox, 1993–1998), "Beverly Hills 90210" (1990–2000), and "Burke's Law" (CBS, 1994–95). She appeared on "The Wayans Bros." (Warner Bros. Television Network, 1995–99), "Buddies" (ABC, 1995–96), and "The Jamie Foxx Show" (Warner Bros. Television Network, 1996–2001) as she maintained her humorous career in the 1990s. She took on roles on "The District" (2000–04), "24" (Fox, 2001–2010), and "The Handler" (CBS, 2003–04) in more recent times. She was in "Windfall" (NBC, 2006) as well. Wright's most recent role was in "The Carrie Diaries" (CW, 2013–14). Wright authored a book titled Butterfly Rising,[8] which was released on August 5, 2012.[2] Wright adapted the book to a screenplay, producing and directing a movie version of Butterfly Rising.[9]
- Wright is a two-time winner of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award, Best Acting Ensemble for her portrayal of Crystal Burset in Orange Is the New Black.[citation needed]
- Wright received the SoBro's "Most Innovative Business" Award for HAI Riette.[citation needed]
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Mutiny | - | |
| 2001 | The Brothers | LaMuzindah | |
| 2005 | Ralph & Stanley | Dr. Reynolds | Short |
| 2011 | Butterfly Rising | Rose | |
| Aide-de-Camp | Anna | Short | |
| 2012 | Why Stop Now | Lisa | |
| 2018 | My Christmas Inn | Ellis | TV movie |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | The Cosby Show | Tanya Simpson | Episode: "The Card Game" & "Man Talk" |
| 1991 | Parker Lewis Can't Lose | Girlfriend | Episode: "Boy Meets Girl" |
| 1994 | Beverly Hills, 90210 | Assistant | Episode: "Intervention" |
| 1995 | Living Single | Tanya | Episode: "If the Crew Fits" |
| Family Matters | India | Episode: "We're Going to Disney World: Part 2" | |
| Burke's Law | Scrub Nurse | Episode: "Who Killed the King of the Country Club?" | |
| 1996 | The Wayans Bros. | Toya | Episode: "The Odd Couples" |
| Buddies | Phyllis Brooks | Main cast | |
| The Jamie Foxx Show | Casey Coles | Episode: "Burned Twice by the Same Flame" | |
| 1998 | Police Academy: The Series | Cassandra Cunningham | Recurring cast |
| Mama Flora's Family | Ernestine | Episode: "Episode #1.1 & #1.2" | |
| 1999 | Moesha | Andrea | Episode: "Good Vibrations?" & "Fired Up" |
| 2000–01 | The District | Laura Clayson/Annette Haywood | Episode: "Imperfect Victims" & "Running Towards Fire" |
| 2001–02 | 24 | Patty Brooks | Recurring cast: Season 1 |
| 2002 | NYPD Blue | Officer Maya Anderson | Guest: Season 9, recurring cast: Season 10 |
| 2003–04 | The Handler | Marcy | Main cast |
| 2004 | Strong Medicine | Lily's Mother | Episode: "Touched by an Idol" |
| 2006 | Windfall | Dr. Bailey | Episode: "Urgent Care" |
| 2007 | ER | Megan Strand | Episode: "Sea Change" |
| Standoff | Diana Marsh | Episode: "Lie to Me" | |
| 2008–14 | True Blood | Deputy Kenya Jones | Recurring cast |
| 2013 | The Carrie Diaries | - | Episode: "Express Yourself" |
| 2013–18 | Orange Is the New Black | Crystal Burset | Recurring cast: season 1-4, guest: season 6 |
| 2014 | The Good Wife | Liana Depaul | Episode: "Message Discipline" |
| 2018 | I'm Dying Up Here | Nurse | Episode: "Deathbed Confessions" |
| Madam Secretary | Dana Cook | Episode: "E Pluribus Unum" |
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