Tanya Wright (born May 3, 1971) See also: is an American actress. Born and raised in South Bronx, New York, Wright studied Comparative Literature at Vassar College. After her graduation, she joined the cast of The Cosby Show as Tanya Simpson. She is known for her role as Phyllis Brooks on Buddies, as well as her recurring roles on 24 as Patty Brooks, NYPD Blue as Officer Maya Anderson, on True Blood as Deputy Kenya Jones, and as Crystal on the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black.
Early life and education Wright was born on May 3, 1971 in the Bronx to a 15-year-old mother, Debra Fraser-Howze, who later became an AIDS activist.
Wright is an alumna of the Oliver Scholars Program and graduated high school from George School, a private Quaker school in Pennsylvania. She received a degree in Independent Studies/Comparative Literature at Vassar College. She earned an master's of education from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education in 2022. Her sister, Sheena Wright, is the First Deputy Mayor of New York City and formerly the president of the United Way of New York City.
Career Wright appeared in several television shows, including "The Cosby Show" (1984–1992), "Family Matters" (CBS, 1989–1998), and "Parker Lewis" (Fox, 1990–92). She also starred in the television series "Living Single" (Fox, 1993–1998), "Beverly Hills 90210" (1990–2000), and "Burke's Law" (CBS, 1994–95). She appeared on "The Wayans Bros." (Warner Bros. Television Network, 1995–99), "Buddies" (ABC, 1995–96), and "The Jamie Foxx Show" (Warner Bros. Television Network, 1996–2001). She took on roles on "The District" (2000–04), "24" (Fox, 2001–2010), and "The Handler" (CBS, 2003–04). She was in "Windfall" (NBC, 2006) and in "The Carrie Diaries" (CW, 2013–14).
Wright authored a book titled Butterfly Rising, which was released on August 5, 2012. Wright adapted the book to a screenplay, producing and directing a movie version.
Filmography
Film Year Title Role Notes 1999 Mutiny - 2001 The Brothers LaMuzindah 2005 Ralph & Stanley Dr. Reynolds Short 2011 Butterfly Rising Rose Aide-de-Camp Anna Short 2012 Why Stop Now Lisa 2018 My Christmas Inn Ellis TV movie
Television Year Title Role Notes 1986 The Cosby Show Tanya Simpson Episode: "The Card Game" & "Man Talk" 1991 Parker Lewis Can't Lose Girlfriend Episode: "Boy Meets Girl" 1994 Beverly Hills, 90210 Assistant Episode: "Intervention" 1995 Living Single Tanya Episode: "If the Crew Fits" Family Matters India Episode: "We're Going to Disney World: Part 2" Burke's Law Scrub Nurse Episode: "Who Killed the King of the Country Club?" 1996 The Wayans Bros. Toya Episode: "The Odd Couples" Buddies Phyllis Brooks Main cast The Jamie Foxx Show Casey Coles Episode: "Burned Twice by the Same Flame" 1998 Police Academy: The Series Cassandra Cunningham Recurring cast Mama Flora's Family Ernestine Episode: "Episode #1.1 & #1.2" 1999 Moesha Andrea Episode: "Good Vibrations?" & "Fired Up" 2000–01 The District Laura Clayson/Annette Haywood Episode: "Imperfect Victims" & "Running Towards Fire" 2001–02 24 Patty Brooks Recurring cast: Season 1 2002 NYPD Blue Officer Maya Anderson Guest: Season 9, recurring cast: Season 10 2003–04 The Handler Marcy Main cast 2004 Strong Medicine Lily's Mother Episode: "Touched by an Idol" 2006 Windfall Dr. Bailey Episode: "Urgent Care" 2007 ER Megan Strand Episode: "Sea Change" Standoff Diana Marsh Episode: "Lie to Me" 2008–14 True Blood Deputy Kenya Jones Recurring cast 2013 The Carrie Diaries - Episode: "Express Yourself" 2013–18 Orange Is the New Black Crystal Burset Recurring cast: season 1-4, guest: season 6 2014 The Good Wife Liana Depaul Episode: "Message Discipline" 2018 I'm Dying Up Here Nurse Episode: "Deathbed Confessions" Madam Secretary Dana Cook Episode: "E Pluribus Unum"
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