Fredi Walker-Browne (née Walker) is an American actress.

Fredi Walker-Browne
OccupationActress

Life and career

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She is an alumna of New York University.[1]

Her Broadway debut was the role of Joanne Jefferson, the high-class lawyer and lover of Maureen Johnson (Idina Menzel), in the original Broadway cast of Rent. At 33, Walker-Browne was the oldest of the eight principal cast members. The role garnered her an Obie[2] and a Fanny Award[who?]. She also toured nationally with The Lion King as Rafiki.

In 2005, her role of Joanne in the film version of Rent was played by Tracie Thoms. Walker stated that she was not offered the film role due to her age. At her request, however, the producers cast an actress of African descent.[3]

In 2012, she had a recurring guest spot on the Showtime series The Big C.

She is the founder and president of Big Spoon Productions, which produces and directs screenplays and teleplays. As of November 2015, Walker-Browne was a voice instructor at the Music and Art Academy in Matawan, New Jersey.[4]

Filmography

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YearTitleRoleNotes
1999Law and OrderValerie TasheGuest Star
2012The Big CShayRecurring character
2019Rent: LiveHerself[5]

References

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  1. ^ Fredi Walker-Browne - LinkedIn profile
  2. ^ "1996 SPECIAL CITATIONS | The Acting Ensemble - Rent". obieawards.com. 1996. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  3. ^ Billey, Catherine (2005-09-04). "Nine Years in the Life". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2015-05-29.
  4. ^ "Fredi Walker-Browne - Music and Art Academy - voice teacher NJ". musicandartacademy.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  5. ^ Turchiano, Danielle (January 27, 2019). "'Rent' Star Injured in Live Performance, Original Broadway Cast to Appear". Variety. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
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