Sanaa Lathan
Sanaa Lathan, the daughter of Broadway actress Eleanor McCoy and director-producer Stan Lathan, was born in New York City, where she was nurtured in a family steeped in the performing arts. Lathan attended Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, but her passion for the stage led her to study at the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in English. She later earned a master's degree in drama from Yale University, affirming her dedication to her craft.
Lathan's acting career took off in the late 1990s, when she began to make a name for herself with significant roles in television and film. Her breakthrough performance came in 2000 when she starred in the romantic drama Love & Basketball, earning her an Independent Spirit Award nomination. She further solidified her status as a leading actress with standout roles in box-office hits like Alien vs. Predator and The Family That Preys.
However, Lathan's talents aren't confined only to the screen; she has also made her mark on the stage. In 2004, she received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in A Raisin in the Sun, demonstrating her versatility across different mediums. Offstage and screen, Lathan is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly her efforts towards raising awareness about mental health. Throughout her career, Sanaa Lathan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her art, making her a respected figure in the world of entertainment.