Tanya Wright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tanya Wright
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| Born | May 3, 1978 Bronx, NY
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| Education | Vassar College (AB) Harvard University (MEd) |
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| 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) |
Tanya Wright (born May 3, 1978) is an American entrepreneur, actress, and author. She grew up in the South Bronx, New York. Tanya studied Comparative Literature at Vassar College.
After college, she joined the cast of The Cosby Show as Tanya Simpson. She is also well-known for her role as Phyllis Brooks on Buddies. You might also recognize her from 24 as Patty Brooks or NYPD Blue as Officer Maya Anderson. She played Deputy Kenya Jones on True Blood and Crystal on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black.
Growing Up and Learning
Tanya Wright was born on May 3, 1978, in the Bronx. Her mother, Debra Fraser-Howze, later became an important activist for people with AIDS.
Tanya was part of the Oliver Scholars Program. She graduated from George School, a private Quaker school in Pennsylvania. She earned a degree in Independent Studies/Comparative Literature from Vassar College. In 2022, she also earned a master's degree from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.
Her sister, Sheena Wright, is the First Deputy Mayor of New York City. She used to be the president of the United Way of New York City.
Her Acting Journey and Books
Tanya Wright is famous for her many roles on television. Early in her career, she appeared in shows like "The Cosby Show" and "Family Matters." She also acted in "Living Single" and "Beverly Hills 90210."
In the 1990s, she continued her acting career. She was in "The Wayans Bros." and "The Jamie Foxx Show." More recently, she appeared in "24" and "The Handler." She also had a role in "Windfall." Her most recent TV role was in "The Carrie Diaries."
Besides acting, Tanya Wright is also an author. She wrote a book called Butterfly Rising, which came out in 2012. Tanya then turned her book into a movie. She helped make the film by producing and directing it herself.
Awards and Recognitions
Tanya Wright has won several awards for her work.
- She is a two-time winner of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award. This award was for Best Acting Ensemble for her role as Crystal Burset in Orange Is the New Black. This means the whole cast was recognized for their great teamwork.
- Tanya also received the "Most Innovative Business" Award from SoBro. She won this award for her business called HAI Riette.
