Tonya Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tonya Williams
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Williams at the 2013 Zanzibar Film Festival
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| Born |
Tonya Maxine Williams
July 12, 1958 |
| Nationality | British, Canadian, American |
| Other names | Tonya Lee Williams |
| Alma mater | Ryerson University |
| Occupation | Actress, producer, director, activist |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Robert Simpson
(m. 1983; div. 1991) |
Tonya Williams (born July 12, 1958) is a talented Canadian actress, producer, and activist. She is well-known for playing Dr. Olivia Barber Winters on the TV show The Young and the Restless. She was on the show from 1990 to 2005 and again from 2007 to 2012. Tonya Williams also started and leads the Reelworld Film Festival.
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Growing Up: Tonya Williams' Early Life
Tonya Williams was born in London, England. Her parents were from Jamaica. When she was very young, she lived in London and Kingston, Jamaica. At age five, she got sick with rheumatic fever. After that, she and her mom moved to Birmingham.
In 1969, her family moved to Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. As a teenager, Tonya worked as a model for Eaton's stores. She also danced on a TV show called Boogie! In 1977, she won the title of Miss Black Ontario.
Tonya Williams' Career in Entertainment
Tonya Williams started her TV career as a host on the Canadian children's show Polka Dot Door. She hosted the show from 1980 to 1983. Before this, she graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in 1979.
She later appeared on other TV series like Check it Out! and Generations. Her role on Generations helped her get the part on The Young and the Restless. This role became her most famous and successful one. She won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 2000 and 2002 for her work on the show.
In March 2004, Tonya hosted a special TV program called Tonya Lee Williams: Gospel Jubilee on CBC Television.
Reelworld Film Festival: Making a Difference
Tonya Williams is the founder and leader of the Reelworld Film Festival. This is an annual film festival held in Toronto. The festival showcases movies and talent from different ethnic communities. It helps people from diverse backgrounds share their stories.
In 2024, Tonya received the Changemaker Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. She got this award at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards for all her important work with Reelworld.
Tonya Williams: Film and TV Roles
Tonya Williams has acted in many films and television shows. Here are some of her notable appearances:
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1980–1983 | Polka Dot Door | Host |
| 1985 | Check it Out! | Jennifer Woods |
| 1988 | A Very Brady Christmas | Belinda |
| 1989–1990 | Generations | Linda Dukes |
| 1990–2005, 2007–2012 | The Young and the Restless | Olivia Winters |
| 2000 | Seventeen Again | Monique Donovan |
| 2009–2010 | The Border | Octavia Jones |
| 2011 | She's the Mayor | Maxine Williams |
| 2011 | The Bold and the Beautiful | Olivia Winters |
Behind the Scenes: Producing and Directing
Tonya Williams has also worked behind the camera as a producer and director.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Maple | Executive producer |
| 2004 | Tonya Lee Williams: Gospel Jubilee | Executive producer |
| 2004 | Da Kink in My Hair | Executive producer, Director |
Awards and Recognitions for Tonya Williams
Tonya Williams has received many awards and nominations for her work in television and film.
- 2000: Won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series.
- 2002: Won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series.
- 2005: Received the ACTRA National Award of Excellence.
- 2012: Won the Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award for her contributions to film and television.
- 2012: Named a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award Winner.
- 2024: Won the Changemaker Award at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards.
