Tanya Wright

Tanya Wright (born May 3, 1978) is an American entrepreneur, actress, and author. 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, 1978 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 EDM from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education in 2022.

Career
Over the course of her career, Wright made the decision to start wearing her hair naturally. Wright wrote 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 of Butterfly Rising

Wright started a hair care line called HAI Riette in which some of the proceeds go to The Actor's Fund.

While attending Vassar, she auditioned and landed a role in The Cosby Show.

Awards

 * Wright is a two-time winner of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award, Best Acting Ensemble for her portrayal of Crystal Burset in Orange Is the New Black.
 * Wright received the SoBro's "Most Innovative Business" Award for HAI Riette.