Anne-Marie Johnson, born on July 18, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, is a distinguished American actress and impressionist. With a career spanning over four decades, she has made significant contributions to television, film, and theater. Known for her versatile roles in both drama and comedy, Johnson’s enduring presence in the entertainment industry is a testament to her talent and dedication.
Early Life and Education
Anne-Marie Johnson’s journey began in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. She attended John Marshall High School, graduating in 1978. Her passion for acting led her to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a degree in Acting and Theater. This solid educational foundation equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the competitive world of acting.
Career Beginnings
Johnson’s first appearance on American television was as a contestant on the game show “Card Sharks” in 1979. Early in her career, she also featured in episodes of Australian dramas such as “Homicide” and “Matlock Police.” These initial roles paved the way for her entry into American television and film.
Breakthrough Roles
“What’s Happening Now!!”
Anne-Marie Johnson’s breakthrough role came in 1985 when she was cast as Nadine Hudson-Thomas in the popular sitcom “What’s Happening Now!!”. Her performance from 1985 to 1988 garnered significant attention and established her as a talented actress in the sitcom genre.
“In the Heat of the Night”
In 1988, Johnson joined the cast of the police drama “In the Heat of the Night,” portraying Althea Tibbs. Her role on this series, which ran until 1993, further solidified her reputation as a versatile actress capable of delivering powerful dramatic performances.
“In Living Color”
From 1993 to 1994, Johnson showcased her comedic talents as a cast member of the iconic sketch comedy show “In Living Color.” Her versatility in performing various characters highlighted her range and comedic timing, solidifying her status as a dynamic performer in both dramatic and comedic roles on television.
Film Contributions
In addition to her television success, Anne-Marie Johnson has appeared in several notable films. Her filmography includes roles in:
- “Hollywood Shuffle” (1987): Played Lydia / Willie Mae / Hooker #5.
- “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” (1988): Played Cherry.
- “Robot Jox” (1989): Played Athena.
- “The Five Heartbeats” (1991): Played Sydney Todd.
- “True Identity” (1991): Played Kristi.
- “Strictly Business” (1991): Played Diedre.
These roles showcased her ability to transition seamlessly between television and film, adapting to various genres and characters. Her remarkable range as an actress has earned her acclaim from audiences and critics alike, solidifying her status as a versatile and accomplished performer in the entertainment industry.
Later Television Roles
Anne-Marie Johnson continued to leave her mark on television with recurring roles in various popular series:
- “Melrose Place” (1995-1996): Portrayed Alycia Barnett.
- “JAG” (1997-2002): Played Representative Bobbi Latham.
- “Girlfriends” (2003-2004): Played Sharon Upton Farley.
- “The InBetween” (2019): Played Lt. Swanstrom.
- “Cherish the Day” (2020): Played Dana Fisher.
- “How to Get Away with Murder” (2020): Played Kendra Strauss.
Her guest appearances on shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “NCIS,” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” further exemplify her dynamic acting abilities, showcasing her ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse narratives and deliver compelling performances across a wide range of genres, from medical dramas to crime procedurals and family sitcoms.
Other Activities
Beyond her acting career, Anne-Marie Johnson has been actively involved in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). In 2008, she was elected first national vice president. She ran for president of the actors’ union in 2009 but was narrowly defeated by Ken Howard. Her commitment to advocating for actors’ rights underscores her dedication to the industry.
Personal Life
Anne-Marie Johnson has been married to Martin Grey since January 1, 1996. The couple does not have children, but their enduring partnership serves as a testament to the strength of their bond. Despite her busy career, Johnson has managed to maintain a stable and private personal life, balancing her professional achievements with cherished moments with her spouse.
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
1987 | Hollywood Shuffle | Lydia / Willie Mae |
1988 | I’m Gonna Git You Sucka | Cherry |
1989 | Robot Jox | Athena |
1991 | The Five Heartbeats | Sydney Todd |
1991 | True Identity | Kristi |
1991 | Strictly Business | Diedre |
1998 | Down in the Delta | Monica Sinclair |
2001 | Pursuit of Happiness | Devin Quinn |
2001 | Apartment 12 | Yvette |
2010 | Suicide Dolls | Maria |
2011 | About Fifty | Erin |
2012 | Freeloaders | Lydia |
2014 | Knock ’em Dead | Alex Hart |
2015 | Double Daddy | Ms. Wolk |
2015 | Sister Code | Mama Layne |
2019 | Adopt a Highway | Tracy Westmore |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1971, 1974 | Homicide | Jenny Marshall / Deborah Price | 2 episodes |
1972–1976 | Matlock Police | Debbie / Jenny Martin / Linda Watson / Rebecca Grant | 4 episodes |
1973 | Division 4 | Susan Marshall | Episode: “Three Mouths to Feed” |
1984 | High School U.S.A. | Beth Franklin | Unsold pilot |
1984 | Diff’rent Strokes | Denise | Episode: “Undercover Lover” |
1984–1985 | Double Trouble | Aileen Lewis | 3 episodes |
1984–1985 | Hill Street Blues | Lynn Williams | 4 episodes |
1985–1988 | What’s Happening Now!! | Nadine Hudson Thomas | Main role (66 episodes) |
1986 | Hunter | Isabel Teret / Nella Watkins | Episode: “Saturday Night Special” |
1988–1993 | In the Heat of the Night | Althea Tibbs | Main role (109 episodes) |
1989 | Dream Date | Donna | Television film |
1990 | Lucky Chances | Carrie Jones / Carolyn Dimes | Miniseries |
1990 | Singer & Sons | Felicity Patterson | Episode: “Once Bitten” |
1992 | The Larry Sanders Show | Barbara Kirsch | Episode: “The Guest Host” |
1993–1994 | In Living Color | Various characters | Main role (24 episodes) |
1994 | Living Single | Sheila Kelly | Episode: “What’s Next?” |
1994 | Babylon 5 | Mariah Cirrus | Episode: “The Long Dark” |
1995 | Sirens | Christine | Episode: “Color Blind” |
1995 | Murder, She Wrote | Priscilla Dauphin | Episode: “Big Easy Murder” |
1995–1996 | Melrose Place | Alycia Barnett | 14 episodes |
1996–1997 | Spider-Man | Angela / Mousie | Voice, 3 episodes |
1997 | Asteroid | Karen Dodd | Television film |
1997 | Smart Guy | Ms. Williams | Pilot |
1997–2002 | JAG | Rep. Bobbi Latham | 18 episodes |
1998 | Any Day Now | Aisha Bullock | Episode: “Making Music with the Wrong Man” |
1998 | The Pretender | Lt. Alison Fawkes | Episode: “Once in a Blue Moon” |
1999 | Chicago Hope | Mrs. Jamison | Episode: “Vanishing Acts” |
1999 | It’s Like, You Know… | Cabil | Episode: “Two Days in the Valley” |
1999 | Ally McBeal | District Attorney Foster | Episode: “Love’s Illusions” |
1999 | Hope Island | Dr. Karen Dunbar | Episode: “You Can’t Look at the Sea Without Wishing for Wings” |
2000 | Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child | Verena | Voice, episode: “The Frog Princess” |
2000 | Chicken Soup for the Soul | Elaine | Episode: “A Pearl of Great Value” |
2000 | For Your Love | Dr. Brown | Episode: “The Shrink Gets Shrunk” |
2000 | The X-Files | Vicky Wells | Episode: “Redrum” |
2001 | Strong Medicine | Nurse Doreen Collins | Episode: “Gray Matter” |
2001 | The Parkers | Lady Egyptian | Episode: “Nobody’s Fool” |
2001 | The District | Renee Sawyer | Episode: “Rage Against the Machine” |
2002 | Dharma & Greg | Laura | Episode: “The Mamas and the Papas: Part 1” |
2002 | Through the Fire | Anne-Marie | Television film |
2003 | The System | Ms. Kimberly Trotter | 9 episodes |
2003 | The District | Rita Douglas | Episode: “Criminally Insane” |
2003 | What I Like About You | Olivia | Episode: “Loose Lips” |
2003 | The Division | Martha | Episode: “Castaways” |
2004 | Rock Me, Baby | Ms. Watson | Episode: “I Love You, You Don’t Love Me” |
2003–2004 | Girlfriends | Sharon Upton Farley | 7 episodes |
2006 | That’s So Raven | Donna Cabonna | 7 episodes |
2007 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | ADA Jasmine Davis | Episode: “Leaving Las Vegas” |
2007 | Bones | Dr. Jasper | Episode: “Death in the Saddle” |
2007 | NCIS | Marine Col. Stacey Radcliffe | Episode: “Requiem” |
2007–2010 | Tyler Perry’s House of Payne | Liz Shelton | 4 episodes |
2008 | Boston Legal | Vivian Stewart | Episode: “Juiced” |
2009 | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Baby Shop Person | 1 episode |
2009 | Uncorked | Debra Miller | Television film |
2010 | I’m in the Band | Janet King | Episode: “Slap Goes the Weasel” |
2011 | Fairly Legal | Jennifer | Episode: “The Two Richards” |
2011 | Leverage | Darlene Wickett | Episode: “The Grave Danger Job” |
2012-2016 | Days of Our Lives | Dr. Patel | 8 episodes |
2014 | Murder in the First | Emily English | Pilot |
2014 | Chasing Life | Arianna | Episode: “Blood Cancer Sex Carrots” |
2014 | See Dad Run | Principal Harris | 1 episode |
2015 | Pretty Little Liars | Claire Handleman | Episode: “Bloody Hell” |
2016 | Childrens Hospital | Dr. Parker | Episode: “The Grid” (Parts 1 & 2) |
2016 | Grey’s Anatomy | Judge | Episode: “Mama Tried” |
2016 | Castle | Mrs. Kramer | Episode: “Hell to Pay” |
2016 | Major Crimes | Jane Wolfe | Episode: “Present Tense” |
2016 | NCIS: Los Angeles | Doctor Adams | 2 episodes |
2017 | Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later | Burkhart | Web series |
2017 | Wisdom of the Crowd | Patty King | 1 episode |
2018 | Imposters | Gail, therapist | 3 episodes |
2018 | For the People | Senator Knox | Recurring |
2018 | Reverie | Mrs. Trent | 1 episode |
2018 | I Was A Teenage Pillow Queen | Suzanne | Television film |
2019 | The InBetween | Lt. Swanstrom | Main cast |
2019 | Dear Santa, I Need a Date | Mrs. Vaughn | Television film |
2020 | Cherish The Day | Dana Fisher | 3 episodes[12] |
2020 | How to Get Away with Murder | Kendra Strauss | 2 episodes[13] |
2022 | So Help Me Todd | Felicity | 1 episode |
2022 | Raven’s Home | Donna Cabonna | Episode: “Raven and the Fashion Factory” |
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