Alfre Woodard, born in Tulsa in 1952, transitioned from a professional theater debut at Washington, DC’s Arena Stage in 1974 to a career spanning decades of television and film performances. Trained at Boston University and its College of Fine Arts, she emerged as a versatile actor, securing recognition for diverse roles across drama, comedy, and voice acting.
Early Theater and Film Progression
Moving to Los Angeles in 1976, Woodard established her professional path with the Off-Broadway production of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf. Her cinematic introduction occurred in the thriller Remember My Name. By the early 1980s, she appeared in the ensemble piece Health and the biographical drama Cross Creek, the latter securing her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
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Woodard earned broad recognition through her television performances, securing her first Primetime Emmy Award in 1984 for her role in Hill Street Blues. She maintained a significant presence on networks, including her portrayal of Dr. Roxanne Turner on the medical drama St. Elsewhere. Her television career expanded with award-winning work in L.A. Law, Miss Evers' Boys, and The Practice, demonstrating consistency across episodic series and miniseries alike.
Cinematic Range and Voice Work
Her filmography includes varied contributions, from the drama Grand Canyon and Passion Fish to voice acting roles in features such as Dinosaur and The Lion King. These projects highlighted her technical range, transitioning from complex character studies to large-scale animation productions. Throughout her career, she has balanced independent cinema with commercial roles, maintaining consistent critical standing in the United States.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Tulsa
- Education: Boston University College of Fine Arts
- First Primetime Emmy: 1984
- Nationality: United States
- Notable Voice Roles: Dinosaur, The Lion King
- Awards: Crystal Award (1995)
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
What is Alfre Woodard's formal education?
She attended Bishop Kelley High School and studied at Boston University, graduating from the Boston University College of Fine Arts.
Which major awards has she received?
Her honors include four Primetime Emmy Awards, the 1995 Crystal Award, and various Screen Actors Guild Awards for both television movie performances and ensemble comedy work.
Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie — 1997
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series — 1984
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series — 2003
- Notable work: The Lion King
- Notable work: Dinosaur
- Educated at Boston University, Boston University College of Fine Arts and Bishop Kelley High School
- Worked as actor, stage actor and television actor
