Tonya Pinkins was born in Chicago, Illinois and attended Carnegie Mellon University where she studied Theatre, Music and Dance. Soon after leaving school, she moved to New York to take on a theatrical role in "Merrily We Roll Along"; she also appeared in the play "Little Shop of Horrors".

In 1994, she earned a Tony Award, a Drama Desk award and a Clarence Derwent Award for her role as Sweet Anita in "Jelly's Last Jam"; she appeared in the play during a hiatus from All My Children.

In addition to her on-going role on AMC, Tonya has appeared as a guest-star on several Primetime shows including "Cold Case", "Law & Order" and "Criminal Minds".

All My Children - Livia Frye Cudahy (1991 - present)
Jelly's Last Jam - Sweet Anita (1994)