Charlayne Woodard
- Born:
- December 29, 1953, Albany, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Playwright
Early Life and Education
- Woodard attended the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago.
- She received classical training in acting.
Career and Major Achievements
- Charlayne Woodard began her career on the stage.
- She made her Broadway debut in Hair in 1977.
- She has received critical acclaim for her work in both plays and musicals.
- Woodard has also worked extensively in film and television.
- She is also a celebrated playwright.
- She wrote and performed a series of autobiographical plays.
- She received an Obie Award for Performance in 1997 for Pretty Fire.
Notable Works
Plays
- Hair (Broadway debut, 1977)
- Ain't Misbehavin' (Broadway)
- The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin
- Pretty Fire (Obie Award)
- Neat
- In Real Life
- The Night Watcher
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Alphabet City | Liola |
| 1992 | Passion Fish | Nurse |
| 1993 | The Meteor Man | Janice Farrell |
| 2000 | Unbreakable | Audrey Inverso |
| 2019 | Glass | Mrs. Price |
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1986-1988 | The Cosby Show | Denise Huxtable's Friend |
| 2005-2006 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Sergeant/Lieutenant Joan Trevor |
| 2017-2019 | Pose | Helena St. Rogers |
Legacy and Impact
Charlayne Woodard's career spans theater, film, and television. This 'charlayne woodard biography' highlights her achievements as both an actress and playwright. Her autobiographical plays explore themes of race, identity, and family, making her a significant voice in contemporary American theater.