Date of Birth: September 18, 1950
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Biography
Anna Deavere Smith is an acclaimed American actress, playwright, and professor, renowned for her unique ability to capture the essence of diverse characters and bring their stories to life in compelling solo performances. Born on September 18, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland, Smith is best known for her work in documentary theater, particularly her one-woman shows “Fires in the Mirror” and “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992,” which explore complex social issues through verbatim excerpts from interviews. Smith’s educational background is impressive; she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Beaver College (now Arcadia University) and later received a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Her career in theater took off in the 1980s, and she quickly became known for her innovative approach to performance, blending journalism, drama, and social commentary. In addition to her theater work, Smith has appeared in numerous television series and films. Notable roles include Nancy McNally on “The West Wing,” Gloria Akalitus on “Nurse Jackie,” and Dr. Rainbow on “Black-ish.” She has also taught in prestigious institutions like Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, and New York University. Smith has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, the National Humanities Medal, and several honorary degrees. Her work continues to inspire and challenge audiences, making her a significant figure in contemporary American theater and beyond.
5 Interesting Facts about Anna Deavere Smith
1. Anna Deavere Smith’s play “Fires in the Mirror” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1993.
2. She is known for her method of “documentary theater,” where she interviews real people and performs their stories verbatim.
3. Smith was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama in 2013.
4. She has received over 20 honorary degrees from various institutions.
5. Smith is a recipient of the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, one of the richest prizes in the arts.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Anna Deavere Smith
1. “You can’t be the playwright and the actor. You have to be one or the other. The idea that you can do both is a fallacy.”
2. “I think that [art] is a way to break through the silence and the isolation and the fear that many people feel.”
3. “Empathy is not just something that happens to us – it’s a choice we make.”
4. “I think a lot of people have lost their curiosity and I think that shows up in our politics.”
5. “Words are everything. Words give wings even to those who have been stamped upon, broken, and left for dead.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Anna Deavere Smith’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.
Children
Anna Deavere Smith does not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Anna Deavere Smith on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Deavere_Smith
2. [Anna Deavere Smith’s profile on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0807332/
5. [Anna Deavere Smith on The MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org/fellows/474/
