Award-winning actress, singer and producer. Suzzanne Douglas has won the hearts of all who have seen her perform. Suzzanne's ability to explore characters seldom played by women of color has allowed her to create a canon of enigmatic and complex roles. Her desire to constantly grow as an artist reflects a pioneering spirit in her work. Through this, she also hopes to encourage younger artists to do the same.
Ms. Douglas most recently appeared in New York, in the world premiere of Kara Corthron's post-modern play, "Julius by Design". Douglas' decision to working regionally has allowed Douglas to take theatrical risks seldom explored in the more commercial Broadway venue. Ms. Douglas has appeared in three of Regina Taylor's plays: "The Drowning Crow", at Chicago's Goodman Theater, "Night in Tunisia" in New Brunswick at George Street Playhouse, and "Crowns", winning an NAACP Image Award for Best Ensemble at the Pasadena Playhouse. Ms. Douglas also seeks works that explore the social arena. In the Alliance Theater production of "Women of Brewster Place", Ms. Douglas explored issues of sexual orientation and acceptance. Douglas' lauded performance presented viewers with a non-stereotypical perspective of lesbianism. Suzzanne's sense of justice was evident in her portrayal of "Georgina", in Arthur Laurent's, "Hallelujah, Baby!", which Laurent's re-wrote for Douglas. Ms. Douglas was the first African-American to play the role of "Dr. Bearing" in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Wit", at the George Street Playhouse. On Broadway, Ms. Douglas was in "The Tap Dance Kid", "It's a Grand Night for Singing" and in "The Threepenny Opera", opposite Sting. Working with some of the best in the industry has allowed Suzzanne to continually grow as an artist. Terrence McNally, Walter Bobbie, John Dexter, Vivian Matalon and Kevin Hooks have helped to shape her producing skills while informing her knowledge of the theatrical industry. The film, The Last Weekend (1998), produced by Douglas, won best Short film at the Hollywood Black Film Festival in 1998. Suzzanne also helped co-produce Theresa Rebeck's "Love on the Rocks", starring Julie White.
The talent of Suzzanne Douglas allows her to seamlessly move from stage to film. For her performance in Tap (1989), alongside legends Sammy Davis Jr. and Gregory Hines, she won her first NAACP Image Award. Co-starring with Angela Bassett in Sans complexes (1998), she received the Black Oscar. Working with Jada Pinkett Smith in The Inkwell (1994), Douglas was later re-united with Ms. Pinkett-Smith in Jason's Lyric (1994), co-starring opposite Forest Whitaker.
Her work on the long-running Warner Brothers' family sitcom, The Parent 'Hood (1995), co-starring across from Robert Townsend, brought her into the homes and the hearts of viewers around the world. Douglas also had a recurring role in Mo'Nique's comedy, Les Parker (1999). Douglas has guest-starred in a variety critically-acclaimed shows, such as The Good Wife (2009), New York Police Blues (1993), New York - Section criminelle (2001), New York - Unité spéciale (1999), Les anges du bonheur (1994), Les ailes du destin (1991) and ABC Afterschool Specials: In the Shadow of Love: A Teen AIDS Story (1991). It was Suzzanne's gentle work in the ABC made-for-TV film, Sounder (2003), that garnered her an Image Award nomination.
Suzzanne's musical talents have enabled her to perform with Stanley Turrentine, Gene Harris, Jon Faddis, Kenny Burrell, Kenny Barron, Nat Adderley, Don Braden and Thelonious Monk Jr..
Douglas is currently working on a bridge project that helps fine arts graduate students to better transition into the industry.
Ms. Douglas is an Honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and the honors society of Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors organization.
