Sanaa Lathan

Biography

Sanaa McCoy Lathan, born on September 19, 1971, is a versatile American actress celebrated for her work across stage, film, and television. The daughter of actress Eleanor McCoy and director Stan Lathan, Sanaa pursued her education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with a degree in English, later earning a master's in drama from Yale University.

Lathan gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Robyn in "The Best Man" film series and its subsequent Peacock miniseries. Her impressive filmography includes standout roles such as Naomi Hicks in Netflix's "Hit & Run," Violet Jones in "Nappily Ever After," and Deputy Director Natalie Austin in "Now You See Me 2" (2016). She also starred as Leah Vaughn in "The Perfect Guy" (2015) and made notable appearances in "Brown Sugar," "Love & Basketball," and "A Raisin in the Sun," both on Broadway and in its film adaptation.

In addition to her film accomplishments, Lathan has appeared in acclaimed series like HBO's "Succession," earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for her guest role. She has also lent her voice to characters like Catwoman in HBO's animated "Harley Quinn" and Donna Tubbs in "The Cleveland Show."

In 2022, she made her directorial debut with "On the Come Up." Lathan's accolades include an NAACP Image Award for "Love & Basketball" and recognition from Essence and Ebony magazines. Her career continues to inspire many as she showcases her talent in various creative realms.