Anna Deavere Smith Explores Family History in New Project
Anna Deavere Smith, known for her acting in "The West Wing" and "Nurse Jackie" and her unique style of playwriting, is exploring her own family history in a new project. She discussed this with Jeffrey Brown in Philadelphia for the…
Seattle Tacoma, WA, July 21, 2026 —
Actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith, recognized for her roles in television series such as “The West Wing” and “Nurse Jackie,” is embarking on a new artistic endeavor focused on her personal family history.
Smith, who is also known for her distinctive approach to playwriting, shared details about this project during a discussion with Jeffrey Brown. The conversation took place in Philadelphia and was part of the arts and culture series, CANVAS.
The specific nature of the project and the discoveries within her family history were discussed. However, further details regarding the project’s scope, its intended output, or a timeline for its release were not provided in the summary.
Anna Deavere Smith’s work often delves into social and personal narratives, and this exploration into her own lineage is expected to align with her established artistic themes. Her unique style of playwriting has frequently involved extensive interviews and a nuanced portrayal of real-life individuals and experiences.
The discussion with Jeffrey Brown for CANVAS offered a platform for Smith to speak about this personal and artistic exploration. Philadelphia served as the location for this segment of the arts and culture series.
Additional information about the project, including its title, the specific historical periods or individuals being researched, and when audiences might expect to see or hear the results, remains to be announced.
Story summarized from the original created by Cascade PBS Staff on www.cascadepbs.org, see more information here.
