Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard was born on November 8th, 1952

Full Name: Alfre Ette Woodard

Place of Birth: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Profession: Actress

Notable Roles: 12 Years a Slave, Luke Cage

Awards: Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award

Education: Boston University

Career: 1970s-present

Nominations: 17

Acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in film, television, and theater, earning numerous award nominations and wins. She's a versatile talent with a wide range of iconic roles.

Written by:

Sofia Garcia

Alfre Woodard: A Trailblazing Actress and Unwavering Activist

Alfre Woodard is an American actress revered for her portrayal of strong-willed and dignified characters on stage and screen, earning her a plethora of accolades, including four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.

A Theatrical Debut and Breakthrough Roles

Woodard began her acting career in theater, where she made a name for herself with her breakthrough role in the Off-Broadway play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf in 1977.

Academy Recognition and Film Highlights

Her film career took off with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in Cross Creek (1983). Notable films include Grand Canyon (1991), Passion Fish (1992), Heart and Souls (1993), Crooklyn (1994), How to Make an American Quilt (1995), Primal Fear (1996), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Down in the Delta (1998), 12 Years a Slave (2013), and Juanita (2019). She also lent her voice to the character of Sarabi in The Lion King (2019).

Television and Emmy Accolades

Woodard gained prominence with her television role as Dr. Roxanne Turner in the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere, earning her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1986 and for Guest Actress in 1988.

She went on to receive four Primetime Emmy Awards for her roles in the NBC drama series Hill Street Blues (1984), the NBC series L.A. Law (1987), the HBO film Miss Evers Boys (1997), and The Practice (2003).

Other Notable Television Roles

From 2005 to 2006, Woodard starred as Betty Applewhite in the ABC comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), she portrayed the complex character of Black Mariah Dillard Stokes in the Netflix series Luke Cage (2016-2018).

Philanthropy and Activism

Beyond her remarkable acting career, Woodard is a dedicated political activist and producer. She is a founder of Artists for a New South Africa, a non-profit organization working to promote democracy and equality in South Africa.

Awards and Honors

In 2020, The New York Times ranked Woodard as one of The 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century. She also serves as a board member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Legacy and Impact

Alfre Woodard's extraordinary body of work has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, cementing her status as a veteran actress and devoted advocate for social justice. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and commitment to creating meaningful change continue to inspire generations of artists and activists alike.

Timeline

1952

Born in Oklahoma

Alfre Woodard was born on November 8, 1952, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

1974

Graduated from Boston University

Woodard graduated from Boston University with a degree in drama.

1977

Made Broadway debut

Woodard made her Broadway debut in the play Me and Bessie, earning a Tony Award nomination.

1983

Starred in Cross Creek

Woodard starred in the biographical drama Cross Creek, earning an Academy Award nomination.

2005

Won Emmy Award for Desperate Housewives

Woodard won an Emmy Award for her guest role on the TV series Desperate Housewives.

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FAQ

What is Alfre Woodards early life and education like?

Alfre Woodard was born on November 8, 1952, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She attended Bishop Kelley High School and later graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in drama.

What are Alfre Woodards most notable film roles?

Woodard has had a prolific film career, with notable roles in Cross Creek, Passion Fish, and Star Trek: First Contact. She has received numerous award nominations for her performances.

What is Alfre Woodards work in television like?

Woodard has had a successful television career, with roles in shows such as Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, and 12 Years a Slave. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her performances.

What is Alfre Woodards work in theater like?

Woodard has had an extensive theater career, with notable performances on Broadway and in regional productions. She has been nominated for multiple Tony Awards for her work.

What is Alfre Woodards impact on the film industry?

Woodard has been a trailblazer for African American actresses in the film industry, paving the way for future generations of women in film. Sub-question: What are Alfre Woodards thoughts on diversity in Hollywood?

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