Tonya Pinkins is not one to rest on her laurels. With a career spanning decades across stage, television, and film, Pinkins continues to push boundaries, challenge herself, and inspire others with her multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her latest endeavor, the feature film Game Nite, is set to premiere at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles on February 8th and 9th, marking yet another milestone in her illustrious career.

In a recent interview, Pinkins shared insights into her remarkable journey and her unrelenting drive to create meaningful art. “It took me a lifetime to realize that my mind works differently than others. I need to multi-task!” she exclaimed. Indeed, Pinkins has been anything but idle. In 2023 alone, she embarked on a whirlwind adventure, traveling to twenty countries, shooting her second feature film, Game Nite, producing a live concert at Little Island in Manhattan, and juggling multiple acting commitments, including a prominent role in Tyler Perry’s hit series SISTAS. But for Pinkins, this level of activity is par for the course.

Tonya Pinkins’ debut feature film, Red Pill, is a compelling exploration of societal fears amidst the backdrop of the 2020 election. Directed by Pinkins and shot by John Hudak Jr., the film follows Cassandra, played by Pinkins, as she navigates political activism in Virginia. Alongside the film, Pinkins offers insights into its creation in her book, Red Pill Unmasked, and shares motivational wisdom in Get Over Yourself!: How to Drop the Drama and Claim the Life You Deserve. Her podcast, You Can’t Say That!, further showcases her candid discussions about life in the theater industry. Through her diverse creative endeavors, Pinkins continues to inspire audiences to confront fears, embrace authenticity, and pursue their passions boldly.

At 62 years old, Pinkins shows no signs of slowing down. “I hope to walk the 600-mile Camino de Campostela in 2024,” she revealed, showcasing her adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace new challenges. Yet, she remains grounded in the understanding that setbacks and failures are inevitable. “If I fail, it won’t be the first time. The most successful people in the world have failed the most, but they’ve gotten s&*t done,” she asserted with characteristic resilience.

Pinkins’ career is a testament to her unparalleled talent and versatility. From her Tony Award-winning performances on Broadway to her captivating roles on television and film, she has consistently captivated audiences with her magnetic presence and transformative portrayals. Whether she’s tackling complex characters in acclaimed productions like Caroline, or Change or Fear the Walking Dead, Pinkins brings depth, authenticity, and nuance to every role she embodies.

Beyond her achievements as an actor, Pinkins is also a visionary filmmaker, producer, writer, and director. Her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and addressing pressing social issues is evident in her creative endeavors. From her upcoming film Game Nite, which promises to offer a fresh perspective on contemporary society, to her groundbreaking project Truth & Reconciliation: Womyn Working It Out!, Pinkins uses her platform to spark dialogue, provoke thought, and effect change.

Reflecting on her artistic philosophy, Pinkins emphasized the importance of integrity and authenticity. “My brand is integrity,” she declared. “Speaking up for the people who don’t get the microphone—women, poor, black, and brown people worldwide.” Throughout her career, Pinkins has remained steadfast in her commitment to using her voice to advocate for those whose stories often go untold.

As she continues to push boundaries and break barriers, Pinkins remains guided by a profound sense of purpose. “If you want to practice the values you espouse, jumping on my coattails will be a huge return on your investment because my word stands for integrity, honesty, no prisoners taken,” she affirmed.

In a world that often values conformity over creativity and compromise over conviction, Tonya Pinkins stands as a beacon of authenticity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and storytellers everywhere, reminding us all of the transformative power of art and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.

As Game Nite makes its debut at the Pan African Film Festival, audiences will undoubtedly be captivated by Pinkins’ magnetic performance and the film’s thought-provoking narrative. But beyond the silver screen, Tonya Pinkins’ legacy as a trailblazer and visionary continues to shine brightly, inspiring us all to embrace our individuality, pursue our passions relentlessly, and make our voices heard in a world hungry for authenticity and truth.

Connect with Tonya Pinkins

Instagram
Linkedln
Website

FilmmakerLife Magazine Vol. 77 – Tonya Pinkins

Order your hard copies here:
https://www.blurb.com/bookstore/invited/10288896/f9b4238196fdb797c409d2efc4a6d750df3f1413