Anna Maria Horsford was born and raised in Harlem, New York, to parents who had immigrated from Antigua and Barbuda in the West Indies. Her mother kept Horsford enrolled in community centers and after-school programs, and she was accepted at the New York High School of Performing Arts. After high school she went to Stockholm, Sweden to attend college.

Her first major role in television was behind the scenes as a producer for the PBS show “Soul!” from 1967 – 1973 before landing roles on shows like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Moesha,” “The Wayans Bros.” and more. She is best known for her film roles in “Friday” and “A Madea Christmas.”

Her first role on daytime was on “Guiding Light” in 1979, and she did not return until 2015 when she began a recurring role as Vivienne Avant on “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

The Bold and the Beautiful - Vivienne Avant (July 3, 2015 - present)
The Wayans Bros. – Deirdre 'Dee' Baxter (1995 - 1999)
Friday – Mrs. Jones (1995)
Rhythm & Blues – Veronica Washington (1992 - 1993)
Amen – Thelma Frye (1986 - 1991)
Guiding Light - Clara Jones (1979)

Black Reel Awards, Best Actress, Network/Cable Television nominee for "Justice" (2005)