Tanya Wright

Tanya Patrice Wright is an American entrepreneur, actress, and author. Born and raised in South Bronx, NY, she studied Comparative Literature at Vassar College. After graduation, she landed her first major acting role as Tanya Simpson on The Cosby Show. Wright is best known for her recurring roles as Phyllis Brooks on Buddies, Patty Brooks on 24, Officer Maya Anderson on NYPD Blue, Deputy Kenya Jones on True Blood, and Crystal on Orange Is the New Black. She was born in 1971 to Debra Fraser-Howze, an AIDS activist, and has a sister named Sheena Wright, who is the first female president of the United Way of New York City.