Tanya Wright


Tanya Wright 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.
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Early life and education

Wright was born on May 3, 1971 in the Bronx to a 15-year-old mother, Debra Fraser-Howze, who later became an AIDS activist.
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. She earned an master's of education from Harvard University's Harvard [Graduate School of Education|Graduate School of Education] in 2022. 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.

Career

Wright is well recognised for her iconic television parts. Wright appeared in several television shows early in her acting career, including "The Cosby Show", "Family Matters", and "Parker Lewis". She also starred in the television series "Living Single", "Beverly Hills 90210", and "Burke's Law". She appeared on "The Wayans Bros.", "Buddies", and "The Jamie Foxx Show" as she maintained her humorous career in the 1990s. She took on roles on "The District", "24", and "The Handler" in more recent times. She was in "Windfall" as well. Wright's most recent role was in "The Carrie Diaries". Wright authored a book titled Butterfly Rising, which was released on August 5, 2012. Wright adapted the book to a screenplay, producing and directing a movie version of Butterfly Rising.

Awards

  • Wright is a two-time winner of the Screen Actors Guild Award, Best Acting Ensemble for her portrayal of Crystal Burset in Orange Is the New Black.
  • Wright received the SoBro's "Most Innovative Business" Award for HAI Riette.