Tonya Lee Williams Biography
Born: July 12, 1967
Tonya Lee Williams has established herself as an internationally recognized actor, producer, director, writer and activist. With a career spanning 30 years, Tonya is best known for her starring role as "Dr. Olivia Winters" on the popular daytime drama The Young and the Restless. Tonya has been honoured with two daytime Emmy Award nominations; she is a two time recipient of the coveted NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in both 2000 and 2002; Howard University’s highest award, The Legacy of Leadership Award for her tireless work and success in the entertainment industry; a Positive Impact award presented to her in Toronto, for her years as a positive role model in the Canadian community; the Doctor Bird Award presented to her in Jamaica for outstanding artists of Caribbean descent; the Harry Jerome Award in 2004, and most recently in November 2005, she received one of the highest achievements for Actors in Canada: the ACTRA Award of Excellence. On May 19th 2007, Tonya also received an African Canadian Achievement Award.
In April 2001 Tonya revolutionized the Canadian entertainment industry by founding ReelWorld Film Festival, a film event dedicated to creating opportunities for Canadian artists. In seven short years ReelWorld has grown into a major film festival, not only on the national scene but also internationally - with support from individuals like Robert Townsend, Shabana Azmi, Eriq LaSalle, Sandra Oh, Adam Beach and many others. ReelWorld has proven it is here to stay. The five-day event showcases over 100 features, documentaries, animation, shorts, music videos, industry panels, awards, parties, galas attended by celebrities and film-lovers. The issue of diversity in the Film and Television industry is finally front and centre. Since 2001 Canada has seen significant shifts, awareness and support for the industry’s efforts to open up more opportunities for diverse cultures, particularly from the Aboriginal, Asian, Black, Latino, Middle Eastern, South Asian and multi-racial communities. Tonya is also the President of a Toronto-based production company Wilbo Entertainment, dedicated to showcasing stories that reflect the multicultural landscape of Canada. Through Wilbo, Tonya directed and executive produced “Kink in my Hair,” an hour long dramedy for Vision TV, as well as executive produced and hosted the “Tonya Lee Williams Gospel Jubilee” in 2004, which aired on CBC. She is currently in development to produce and direct her first feature film “Making Room for Lily.” Tonya has just completed director Clement Virgo’s film Poor Boy’s Game which she stars in with Danny Glover.
As a testament to Tonya's deeply rooted passion to ensure that the many voices of Canada are heard across the globe, she regularly speaks to groups across North America about her experiences in the business, and is presently a mentor to over 30 talented young hopefuls. She is also a strong political lobbyist, using her voice to help change licensing and government policies. Tonya's tireless advocacy work in the entertainment industry has recently been recognized by Mayor David Miller who appointed her to the newly formed Toronto Film Board.
Whether through her film festival, foundation or through her production work, Tonya's passion lies in the Canadian entertainment industry and in creating more opportunities for that work to be seen. “Canada has a long and rich history of producing high quality films that have garnered international awards, and I believe that it is also possible for these films to fulfill their commercial potential through proper marketing and distribution, both at home and abroad.”
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