
Actor
Anna Deavere Smith
- Born: 18 September 1950, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Estimated net worth: $10 million
Anna Deavere Smith is an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances and distinctive voice. She gained fame for her roles in films such as 'The West Wing' and 'Rachel Getting Married.' Smith is celebrated for her documentary-style theater…
Anna Deavere Smith: best films and shows
About Anna Deavere Smith
Anna Deavere Smith is an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances and distinctive voice. She gained fame for her roles in films such as 'The West Wing' and 'Rachel Getting Married.' Smith is celebrated for her documentary-style theater, blending acting with social commentary, which has established her as a unique figure in both film and theater.
- Born
- 18 September 1950, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Height
- 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
- Spouses
- William E. H. Smith (1980-1996)
- Children
- 1 daughter, Anna Deavere Smith
- Parents
- Anna Deavere Smith, Jr., and Deavere Smith
- Estimated net worth
- $10 million
Fun facts about Anna Deavere Smith
- Anna Deavere Smith is also a playwright and has written several acclaimed works, including 'Fires in the Mirror.'
- She has been awarded the National Humanities Medal for her contributions to the arts and education.
Famous Anna Deavere Smith quotes
“You can't change the world if you don't change yourself.”
“We are all part of the same story.”
“The truth is that we are all interconnected.”
Anna Deavere Smith filmography
Cast (41)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Pendulum Movie | Cora | |
| 2023 | Ghosted Movie | Claudia Yates | 6.9 |
| 2023 | Extrapolations TV | Arden Miller | 6.1 |
| 2022 | Inventing Anna TV | Maud Lewis | 6.8 |
| 2021 | Here Today Movie | Dr. Vidor | 6.9 |
| 2021 | Flora & Ulysses Movie | Dr. Meescham | 6.5 |
| 2020 | A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote Movie | Nancy McNally | 7.9 |
| 2018 | Can You Ever Forgive Me? Movie | Elaine | 6.8 |
| 2018 | For the People TV | Tina Krissman | 7.2 |
| 2018 | Notes from the Field Movie | Unknown character | 6.3 |
Show 31 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | DC's Legends of Tomorrow TV | Older Kendra | 7.2 |
| 2015 | StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson TV | Self | 6.7 |
| 2014 | black-ish TV | Alicia | 7.1 |
| 2014 | Madam Secretary TV | Mary Campbell | 7.0 |
| 2014 | BoJack Horseman TV | Betty Bruce (voice) | 8.5 |
| 2012 | Finding Your Roots TV | Self | 6.5 |
| 2010 | Masterclass TV | Self | |
| 2009 | Nurse Jackie TV | Gloria Akalitus | 7.1 |
| 2008 | Rachel Getting Married Movie | Carol | 6.3 |
| 2007 | The Kingdom Movie | Maricella Canavesio | 6.8 |
| 2007 | Life Support Movie | Lucille | 5.5 |
| 2005 | Rent Movie | Mrs. Jefferson | 6.8 |
| 2005 | Cry_Wolf Movie | Headmaster Tinsley | 5.8 |
| 2004 | The Manchurian Candidate Movie | Political Pundit | 6.5 |
| 2003 | The Human Stain Movie | Mrs. Silk | 6.0 |
| 2003 | Real Time with Bill Maher TV | Self | 6.0 |
| 2002 | Presidio Med TV | Letty Jordan | 8.0 |
| 2000 | Twilight: Los Angeles Movie | Unknown character | 7.5 |
| 1999 | The West Wing TV | Nancy McNally | 8.3 |
| 1999 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit TV | Lucille Fenton | 8.0 |
| 1997 | The Practice TV | Kate Brunner | 7.6 |
| 1997 | Hawaii's Last Queen Movie | Self - Narrator | 7.0 |
| 1995 | The American President Movie | Robin McCall | 6.5 |
| 1993 | Philadelphia Movie | Anthea Burton | 7.7 |
| 1993 | Dave Movie | Mrs. Travis | 6.7 |
| 1993 | Fires in the Mirror Movie | Rev. Al Sharpton / Angela Davis / Various | 10.0 |
| 1988 | American Experience TV | Narrator (voice) | 6.5 |
| 1987 | Unfinished Business Movie | Anna | 9.0 |
| 1983 | Touched Movie | Switchboard Operator | 7.8 |
| 1982 | Soup for One Movie | Deborah | 5.4 |
| 1982 | American Playhouse TV | Various Characters | 6.6 |
Crew (6)
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Notes from the Field Movie | Writer · Writing | 6.3 |
| 2018 | Notes from the Field Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.3 |
| 2000 | Twilight: Los Angeles Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 7.5 |
| 2000 | Twilight: Los Angeles Movie | Producer · Production | 7.5 |
| 1993 | Fires in the Mirror Movie | Writer · Writing | 10.0 |
Show 1 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | American Playhouse TV | Writer · Writing | 6.6 |
Latest releases
- Ghosted2023 / TMDB 6.9
- Here Today2021 / TMDB 6.9
- Flora & Ulysses2021 / TMDB 6.5
- A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote2020 / TMDB 7.9
- Can You Ever Forgive Me?2018 / TMDB 6.8
- Notes from the Field2018 / TMDB 6.3
Questions about Anna Deavere Smith
What are some of Anna Deavere Smith's career highlights?
Anna Deavere Smith's career highlights include her groundbreaking work in documentary theater, particularly with 'Fires in the Mirror' and 'Twilight: Los Angeles.' She is also known for her roles in television series such as 'The West Wing' and 'Nurse Jackie.'
Has Anna Deavere Smith won any major awards?
Yes, Anna Deavere Smith has received several awards, including the National Medal of Arts and the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show. She has also been nominated for a Tony Award.
What was Anna Deavere Smith's first film?
Anna Deavere Smith's first film was 'The American Clock,' released in 1993. She has since appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
What are Anna Deavere Smith's most successful films?
Some of Anna Deavere Smith's most successful films include 'Rachel Getting Married,' 'The Odd Life of Timothy Green,' and 'Philadelphia.' Her performances often receive critical acclaim and resonate with audiences.
What is known about Anna Deavere Smith's personal life?
Anna Deavere Smith was married to William E. H. Smith from 1980 to 1996. She has one daughter, Anna Deavere Smith, who has pursued a career in the arts as well.
What is Anna Deavere Smith's estimated net worth?
Anna Deavere Smith's estimated net worth is around $10 million, reflecting her successful career in acting, writing, and producing.
What are some milestones in Anna Deavere Smith's filmography?
Milestones in Anna Deavere Smith's filmography include her role in 'The West Wing,' her documentary-style performances in theater, and her participation in impactful films like 'Philadelphia' and 'Rachel Getting Married.'
What impact has Anna Deavere Smith had on the arts?
Anna Deavere Smith has significantly impacted the arts through her unique approach to acting and theater, blending storytelling with social issues. Her work has inspired conversations on race, identity, and community.



