While growing up in Detroit, Michigan, Tanya Boyd became aware at an early age that if she wanted to succeed, she would have to be her own motivating force. As time passed, she heard of the renowned Lee Strasberg Institute as headed for New York City. After several years of living in New York and receiving solid training, she came to Los Angeles, ready to pursue her dreams.
Her acting career was interrupted a few times along the way. Having been blessed with remarkable musical abilities, Boyd was offered exciting opportunities to perform on tour and travel the world as a back-up vocalist with such well-know artists as Anita Baker, Lou Rawls, Bobby Lyle and Natalie Cole. Boyd soon realized that her passion for acting was overwhelming and returned to Los Angeles.
Boyd, whose first love is the theater, starred in ‘Cotton, Jelly's Last Jam' and the award-winning ‘No Place To Be Somebody.' In 1993, she received a Drama-Logue Critics Award for Best Performance in the world premier of ‘Indigo Blues.' In 1994, Boyd was cast as Celeste on ‘Days of our Lives.'
In 1993 and 1994, Boyd directed two summer festival Main Stage productions at the Mojo Theater Ensemble Company in Los Angeles. Additionally, she directed a comedy entitled ‘The Mojo Man' for the NAACP Playwright's Competition. The play won first-runner up. Boyd directed the critically-acclaimed play entitled ‘For You,' based on the life of the late Greg Morris who played the memorable ‘Barney Collier' in the 1970's hit Mission Impossible.
Currently, Boyd is on the road to making another dream come true: to become a film and TV director. Her short film ‘The gift' marks her entry into the feature film arena.
Boyd celebrates her birthday on March 20th.
The Ted Knight Show
Philadelphia 'Phil' Brown
1978
The Good News
Joanne
November 17, 1997
Under One Roof
March 28, 1995
Parker Lewis Can't Lose
May 30, 1993
A Different World
Col. Taylor's Former Student
November 30, 1989
The Twilight Zone
Melissa Parker
February 21, 1987
McClain's Law
February 12, 1982
Enos
March 11, 1981
Archie Bunker's Place
Secretary
February 3, 1980
Good Times
Val
January 18, 1978
The Paper Chase
1978
What's Happening!!
Julie Clark
March 10, 1977
Redd Foxx
1977
Loving Lulu
Background
1993
The Disappearance of Christina
Banker
1993
Tricks of the Trade
Beverly
1988
Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling
Alicia
1986
Up the Academy
Rev. Ike's 2nd Wife
1980
Wholly Moses
Princess
1980
The Happy Hooker Goes Hollywood
Sylvie
1980
Murder Can Hurt You
Stunner
1980
Walking Through the Fire
Nurse Gales
1979
Roots
Genelva
1977
Ilsa, Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks
Satin
1976
Black Shampoo
Brenda St. John
1976
Black Heat
Stephanie
1975
