# Sanaa Lathan

> American actress

**Wikidata**: [Q241783](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q241783)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanaa_Lathan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sanaa-lathan

## Summary
Sanaa Lathan is an American actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. She has built a diverse career spanning stage performances, major motion pictures, and voice acting roles.

## Biography
- Born: September 19, 1971
- Nationality: American
- Education: University of California, Berkeley; Yale School of Drama
- Known for: Acting in film, television, stage, and voice roles
- Employer(s): Various film studios, television networks, theater companies
- Field(s): Acting, film, television, theater, voice acting

## Contributions
Sanaa Lathan has contributed to the entertainment industry through her performances across multiple mediums. She has appeared in numerous films including "Love & Basketball" (2000), "Brown Sugar" (2002), and "Alien vs. Predator" (2004). Her television work includes roles in series such as "The Cleveland Show" where she provided voice acting. Lathan has also performed on stage, earning recognition including a Theatre World Award for her theatrical work. She has expanded her contributions to the industry by working as a film director and producer on various projects.

## FAQs
What is Sanaa Lathan known for?
Sanaa Lathan is known for her versatile acting career across film, television, and theater. She gained significant recognition for her starring role in "Love & Basketball" and has since appeared in numerous notable films and television series.

Where did Sanaa Lathan study acting?
Sanaa Lathan studied acting at Yale School of Drama, where she received professional training in theater performance. She also attended the University of California, Berkeley for her undergraduate education.

Has Sanaa Lathan won any awards?
Yes, Sanaa Lathan has received recognition for her work, including a Theatre World Award for her stage performances. She has also been nominated for various other awards throughout her career.

What types of roles has Sanaa Lathan played?
Sanaa Lathan has played diverse roles across different genres, including romantic leads in films like "Love & Basketball" and "Brown Sugar," action roles in "Alien vs. Predator," and voice acting in animated series like "The Cleveland Show."

## Why They Matter
Sanaa Lathan matters as a prominent African American actress who has helped expand representation in Hollywood through her diverse body of work. Her performances in romantic comedies, action films, and dramatic roles have demonstrated her range as an actress and contributed to breaking stereotypes about the types of roles available to Black actresses. Her success in both mainstream and independent films has helped pave the way for other actors of color in the industry.

## Notable For
- Starred in the critically acclaimed film "Love & Basketball" (2000)
- Provided voice acting for "The Cleveland Show"
- Performed on stage and received a Theatre World Award
- Appeared in major studio films including "Alien vs. Predator"
- Worked as both an actress and director/producer
- Graduated from Yale School of Drama

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Sanaa Lathan was born on September 19, 1971, in the United States. She pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she completed her undergraduate studies. Following her time at Berkeley, Lathan continued her education at the prestigious Yale School of Drama, where she received professional training in acting and theater performance.

### Acting Career
Lathan's career in entertainment began in the mid-1990s, with her work period starting around 1996. She has established herself as a versatile actress working across multiple mediums including film, television, and theater. Her breakthrough role came in the 2000 film "Love & Basketball," where she starred as Monica Wright opposite Omar Epps. This romantic drama helped establish her as a leading actress in Hollywood.

Throughout her film career, Lathan has appeared in numerous notable productions. She starred in the romantic comedy "Brown Sugar" (2002) alongside Taye Diggs, and took on an action role in the science fiction film "Alien vs. Predator" (2004). Her filmography demonstrates her ability to work across different genres, from romance and drama to action and science fiction.

In television, Lathan has appeared in various series and provided voice acting work. One of her notable voice roles was in the animated series "The Cleveland Show," where she lent her voice to a character. This work showcases her versatility as an actress who can perform both on-screen and in voice-over roles.

### Theater Work
Beyond screen acting, Lathan has maintained a presence in theater. Her stage work has been recognized with a Theatre World Award, which honors outstanding debut performances in New York theater. This award highlights her strong foundation in theatrical performance, which she developed during her training at Yale School of Drama.

### Additional Contributions
Lathan has expanded her involvement in the entertainment industry beyond acting. She has worked as a film director and producer, taking on creative roles behind the camera. This demonstrates her comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process and her desire to contribute to the industry in multiple capacities.

### Industry Impact
As an African American actress working in Hollywood since the late 1990s, Lathan has been part of the ongoing effort to increase diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. Her success in leading roles, particularly in romantic comedies and dramas, has helped challenge traditional casting norms and expand opportunities for actors of color.

### Personal Life
While much of Lathan's public profile focuses on her professional work, she maintains a relatively private personal life. Her dedication to her craft and her continued presence in the industry speak to her commitment to acting as both an art form and a profession.

### Legacy and Influence
Sanaa Lathan's career serves as an example of versatility and longevity in the entertainment industry. From her training at Yale School of Drama to her work across film, television, and theater, she has built a diverse portfolio that continues to influence aspiring actors. Her ability to navigate different genres and mediums while maintaining a strong presence in the industry makes her a notable figure in contemporary American entertainment.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Deutsche Synchronkartei
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [Source](https://lortelaward.com/lead-actress/)
6. [Source](http://www.theatreworldawards.org/past-recipients.html)
7. [Source](https://variety.com/2016/film/awards/naacp-awards-winners-list-image-creed-queen-latifah-1201698809/)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. IMDb
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. filmportal.de
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. CONOR.SI
15. Google Knowledge Graph
16. The Movie Database
17. Sanaa Lathan - Behind The Voice Actors. Behind The Voice Actors
18. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File