Anna Deavere Smith
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Anna Deavere Smith

Anna Deavere Smith (born September 18, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland) is a pioneering American actress, playwright, and professor renowned for her innovative approach to theater. She is best known for creating "documentary theater," a genre where she transforms verbatim interviews into compelling solo performances that explore complex social issues. Smith's breakthrough came with Fires in the Mirror (1992), a play about the Crown Heights riots in Brooklyn, which she adapted from interviews with over 30 individuals. The play was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and established her as a leading voice in contemporary theater. She followed this with Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, examining the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict, which earned her two Tony Award nominations and a Drama Desk Award. In addition to her theatrical work, Smith has had a distinguished career in film and television. She portrayed Dr. Nancy McNally on The West Wing (2000–2006) and Gloria Akalitus on Nurse Jackie (2009–2015). Her film credits include Philadelphia (1993), The American President (1995), and Rachel Getting Married (2008). Beyond her artistic endeavors, Smith is deeply committed to education and civic engagement. She founded the Institute on the Arts and Civic Dialogue at New York University, where she serves as a University Professor at the Tisch School of the Arts. Her dedication to the humanities was recognized in 2015 when she was selected as the Jefferson Lecturer by the National Endowment for the Humanities. In 2012, she received the National Humanities Medal for her portrayal of authentic American voices.

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