Wanted to be an actor since a child; her parents agreed to let her take acting and dance lessons because they thought it would help her overcome being clumsy
First acting teacher was Butterfly McQueen from Gone With the Wind, who attended her church
In college she and a fellow student adapted Toni Morrison's novel The Bluest Eye into a play; Morrison invited her to perform the play in her New York apartment before it opened Off-Broadway
Won an Obie in 1996 for her performance in Venus
Has appeared in recurring roles on NYPD Blue, Prison Break, Saving Grace; and Law & Order
Has been a regular on American Dreams; True Blood; and The Newsroom
Awards
2018Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or A Movie:nominated