---
name: "Alfre Woodard"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/alfre-woodard"
fi1m_id: "alfre-woodard"
imdb_id: "nm0005569"
tmdb_id: 1981
wikidata_id: "Q526620"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "8 November 1952"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 16
average_fi1m_score: 72
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 16
updated: "2026-10-13T21:45:32.772094+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Alfre Woodard

## Identity

Alfre Woodard

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/alfre-woodard
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** alfre-woodard
- **IMDb ID:** nm0005569
- **TMDB ID:** 1981
- **Wikidata ID:** Q526620
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfre_Woodard, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q526620, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005569/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1981

Actor. Born 8 November 1952 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 8 November 1952, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
- **Active:** 1988–present
- **Also known as:** Alfre Ette Woodard, Alfre LaWanda Jeen Woodard
- **Primetime Emmy Awards:** 4 Emmys (4 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 72, as actor, over 16 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 66 (1), 1990s 79 (4), 2000s 64 (4), 2010s 73 (6), 2020s 73 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 72 to 69 across 13 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 9 at 60–79, 3 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 3 of 12 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 12, Mystery 6, Adventure 4, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 4, Action & Adventure 3, Comedy 3
- **Screen time:** 18 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $3,718m across 9 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfre_Woodard, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q526620, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005569/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1981

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Desperate Housewives*](https://film.one/tv/desperate-housewives.md) (78), [*The Lion King*](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king-2019.md) (52), [*Dinosaur*](https://film.one/film/dinosaur.md) (52)
- **Netflix:** [*A Series of Unfortunate Events*](https://film.one/tv/a-series-of-unfortunate-events.md) (74), [*The Boroughs*](https://film.one/tv/the-boroughs.md) (73)
- **Hulu:** [*Star Trek: First Contact*](https://film.one/film/star-trek-first-contact.md) (82)
- **Tubi:** [*Clemency*](https://film.one/film/clemency.md) (81)
- **Peacock:** [*Gulliver's Travels*](https://film.one/tv/gullivers-travels.md) (73)
- **Apple TV:** [*Primal Fear*](https://film.one/film/primal-fear.md) (71)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Alfre Woodard

> Alfre Woodard gives authority figures depth without making a display of their feelings. We value that restraint, and the warmth she brings to *The Boroughs*, where the people are a better reason to persist than the mystery.

In *The Boroughs* (2026), Judy Daniels’s loneliness matters more than another question about the creatures. Alfre Woodard gives it enough weight to hold our attention when the supernatural plot becomes a chore. Alongside Alfred Molina as Sam Cooper, she makes the residents’ wish to be useful to one another the series’ strongest reason to continue. We were moved by these performances because that need is taken seriously, rather than treated as a preliminary to the next scare. The adventure earns our interest through its people.

Much of Woodard’s career has been spent in supporting and guest parts, across film and television. *Cross Creek* (1983), in which she played Geechee, marked an early film breakthrough; *Star Trek: First Contact* (1996) gave her a prominent franchise role as Lily Sloane. Her directors have included John Sayles and Spike Lee. Her emphasis on precision and listening is especially valuable in supporting work: she can give a character weight without demanding that the story stop for her.

She is often cast as an authority figure: a judge, a warden, an executive. These parts can become dull if an actor settles for looking certain about everything. Woodard’s restraint allows for the possibility that the person in charge is finding the job difficult. *Clemency* (2019) gives her a leading role as Bernadine Williams, a death-row warden facing moral conflict, and asks for an inward, emotionally demanding performance. It is a useful place to look beyond the reassuring idea of Woodard as a dignified presence.

The warmth in *The Boroughs* is no less valuable, though it cannot repair the plotting. Woodard and Molina help make room for loneliness and grief in a supernatural adventure, and for older characters who have something to do besides advise younger heroes. We recommend the series for that humour and affection, with a firm caveat for anyone principally interested in elaborate mysteries or frightening creatures. Start with Judy Daniels for the company; turn to *Clemency* if the strain of being in charge interests you more.

## Biography

Alfre Woodard is an American actress. She was born on 8 November 1952 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and studied acting at Boston University.

Woodard began her career in theatre before appearing in films such as *Remember My Name* (1978), *Cross Creek* (1983), *Primal Fear* (1996), *12 Years a Slave* (2013) and *Captain America: Civil War* (2016). Her television credits include *Grey's Anatomy*, *See* and the role of Judy Daniels in the 2026 Netflix series *The Boroughs*.

She has won four Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and received an Academy Award nomination for *Cross Creek*.

*Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, npr.org, deadline.com.*

## On Fi1m (16)

- *The Boroughs* (2026), Fi1m 73, as Judy Daniels — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-boroughs.md)
- *Clemency* (2019), Fi1m 81, as Warden Bernadine Williams — [page](https://film.one/film/clemency.md)
- *The Lion King* (2019), Fi1m 52, as Sarabi (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king-2019.md)
- *A Series of Unfortunate Events* (2017), Fi1m 74, as Aunt Josephine — [page](https://film.one/tv/a-series-of-unfortunate-events.md)
- *Captain America: Civil War* (2016), Fi1m 74, as Miriam — [page](https://film.one/film/captain-america-civil-war.md)
- *The Last Ship* (2014), Fi1m 67, as Amy Granderson — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-last-ship.md)
- *12 Years a Slave* (2013), Fi1m 91, as Mistress Shaw — [page](https://film.one/film/12-years-a-slave.md)
- *True Blood* (2008), Fi1m 71, as Ruby Jean Reynolds — [page](https://film.one/tv/true-blood.md)
- *Desperate Housewives* (2004), Fi1m 78, as Betty Applewhite — [page](https://film.one/tv/desperate-housewives.md)
- *K-PAX* (2001), Fi1m 56, as Claudia Villars — [page](https://film.one/film/k-pax.md)
- *Dinosaur* (2000), Fi1m 52, as Plio (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/dinosaur.md)
- *Gulliver's Travels* (1996), Fi1m 73, as Queen of Brobdingnag — [page](https://film.one/tv/gullivers-travels.md)
- *Primal Fear* (1996), Fi1m 71, as Shoat — [page](https://film.one/film/primal-fear.md)
- *Star Trek: First Contact* (1996), Fi1m 82, as Lily Sloane — [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-first-contact.md)
- *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), Fi1m 89, as Dr. Roxanne Turner — [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md)
- *Scrooged* (1988), Fi1m 66, as Grace Cooley — [page](https://film.one/film/scrooged.md)

## Complete filmography (155)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *The Boroughs* (2026), series, as Judy Daniels — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-boroughs.md)
- *The Last Frontier* (2025), series, as Jacqueline Bradford
- *The Inquisitor* (2025), as Narration
- *Salem's Lot* (2024), as Dr. Cody
- *Summer Camp* (2024), as Mary
- *Monsieur Spade* (2024), series, as Virginia Dell
- *The Book of Clarence* (2024), as Mother Mary
- *Weathering* (2023), as Mum
- *Space Oddity* (2023), as Dr. Olsen
- *Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur* (2023), series, as Mimi (voice)
- *The Gray Man* (2022), as Margaret Cahill
- *The Porter* (2022), series, Executive Producer
- *Miss Alma Thomas: A Life in Color* (2021), as Alma Thomas (voice)
- *Fatherhood* (2021), as Marian
- *Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street* (2021), as Mary Parrish (voice)
- *Star Trek: Lower Decks* (2020), series, as Lilly Sloane (voice)
- *Clemency* (2019), as Warden Bernadine Williams · Executive Producer — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/clemency.md)
- *See* (2019), series, as Paris
- *The Lion King* (2019), as Sarabi (voice) — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king-2019.md)
- *No Small Matter* (2019), as Narrator (voice) · Executive Producer
- *The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight with Robin Roberts* (2019), Actor
- *Juanita* (2019), as Juanita
- *Saint Judy* (2018), as Judge Benton
- *Burning Sands* (2017), as Professor Hughes
- *A Series of Unfortunate Events* (2017), series, as Aunt Josephine — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/a-series-of-unfortunate-events.md)
- *Marvel's Luke Cage* (2016), series, as Mariah Dillard
- *So B. It* (2016), as Bernadette
- *Captain America: Civil War* (2016), as Miriam — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/captain-america-civil-war.md)
- *Mississippi Grind* (2015), as Sam
- *Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band* (2015), as Mary Lou Williams (voice)
- *Knucklehead* (2015), as Sheila
- *Empire* (2015), series, as Renee
- *State of Affairs* (2014), series, as President Constance Payton
- *Annabelle* (2014), as Evelyn
- *The Last Ship* (2014), series, as Amy Granderson — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-last-ship.md)
- *12 Years a Slave* (2013), as Mistress Shaw — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/12-years-a-slave.md)
- *The Door* (2013), as E
- *Steel Magnolias* (2012), as Ouiser
- *Women, War & Peace* (2011), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Memphis Beat* (2010), series, as Lieutenant Tanya Rice
- *Black Panther* (2010), as Dondi Reece
- *Black Panther* (2010), series, as Dondi Reece (voice)
- *Three Rivers* (2009), series, as Dr. Sophia Jordan
- *Medal of Honor* (2008), as Narrator
- *My Own Worst Enemy* (2008), series, as Mavis Heller
- *Reach for Me* (2008), as Evelyn
- *Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys* (2008), as Alice Pratt
- *True Blood* (2008), series, as Ruby Jean Reynolds — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/tv/true-blood.md)
- *American Violet* (2008), as Alma Roberts
- *Henry Box Brown* (2008), Actor
- *Pictures of Hollis Woods* (2007), as Edna Reilly
- *Private Practice* (2007), series, as Dee Bennett
- *Class of 3000* (2006), series, Actor
- *King Leopold's Ghost* (2006), as Ilanga (voice)
- *Take the Lead* (2006), as Augustine James
- *Something New* (2006), as Joyce McQueen
- *The Water Is Wide* (2006), as Mrs. Brown
- *Inconceivable* (2005), series, as Dr. Lydia Crawford
- *Beauty Shop* (2005), as Ms. Josephine
- *Grey's Anatomy* (2005), series, as Justine Campbell — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/greys-anatomy.md)
- *Desperate Housewives* (2004), series, as Betty Applewhite — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/desperate-housewives.md)
- *The Forgotten* (2004), as Det. Anne Pope
- *Radio* (2003), as Principal Daniels
- *The Singing Detective* (2003), as Chief of Staff
- *A Wrinkle in Time* (2003), as Mrs. Whatsit
- *The Core* (2003), as Stickley
- *Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property* (2003), as Narrator
- *Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives* (2003), Actor
- *The Wild Thornberrys Movie* (2002), as Akela (Cheetah Mother) (voice)
- *K-PAX* (2001), as Claudia Villars — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/k-pax.md)
- *The Wild Thornberrys: The Origin of Donnie* (2001), as Medicine Woman (voice)
- *Disney's American Legends* (2001), Actor
- *Holiday Heart* (2000), as Wanda Dean
- *Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks* (2000), as Narrator
- *Lost Souls* (2000), as Dr. Allen
- *Static Shock* (2000), series, as Jean Hawkins (voice)
- *The Tulsa Lynching of 1921: A Hidden Story* (2000), as Mary Parrish (voice)
- *John Henry* (2000), as Polly / Narrator (voice)
- *Dinosaur* (2000), as Plio (voice) — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/dinosaur.md)
- *Love & Basketball* (2000), as Camille Wright
- *What's Cooking?* (2000), as Audrey Williams
- *Eleanor Roosevelt* (2000), as Narrator (voice)
- *Mumford* (1999), as Lily
- *Funny Valentines* (1999), as Joyce May
- *The Wishing Tree* (1999), as Clara
- *The Underground Railroad* (1999), Actor
- *Down in the Delta* (1998), as Loretta Sinclair
- *The Wild Thornberrys* (1998), series, as Medicine Woman (voice)
- *Seven Candles For Kwanzaa* (1997), as Narrator
- *The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue* (1997), as Maisie (voice)
- *Cadillac Desert* (1997), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *The Practice* (1997), series, as Denise Freeman
- *Follow Me Home* (1997), as Evey
- *Miss Evers' Boys* (1997), as Eunice Evers, R.N.
- *The Member of the Wedding* (1997), as Berenice Sadie Brown
- *Star Trek: First Contact* (1996), as Lily Sloane — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-first-contact.md)
- *A Step Toward Tomorrow* (1996), as Dr. Sadlin
- *Primal Fear* (1996), as Shoat — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/primal-fear.md)
- *Special Report: Journey to Mars* (1996), as Tamara O'Neil
- *Gulliver's Travels* (1996), series, as Queen of Brobdingnag — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/gullivers-travels.md)
- *How to Make an American Quilt* (1995), as Marianna
- *Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child* (1995), series, as Winsome (voice)
- *The Piano Lesson* (1995), as Berniece Charles
- *Crooklyn* (1994), as Carolyn Carmichael
- *Aliens for Breakfast* (1994), as Mrs. Marks
- *Blue Chips* (1994), as Lavada McRae
- *Malcolm X: Make It Plain* (1994), as Narrator
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Edna (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *Bopha!* (1993), as Rosie Mangena
- *Heart and Souls* (1993), as Penny Washington
- *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), series, as Dr. Roxanne Turner — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md)
- *Passion Fish* (1992), as Chantelle
- *Rich in Love* (1992), as Rhody Poole
- *The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag* (1992), as Ann
- *Grand Canyon* (1991), as Jane
- *Blue Bayou* (1990), as Jessica Filley
- *A Mother's Courage: The Mary Thomas Story* (1989), as Mary Thomas
- *Miss Firecracker* (1989), as Popeye Jackson
- *Scrooged* (1988), as Grace Cooley — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/scrooged.md)
- *American Experience* (1988), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *The Child Saver* (1988), as Andrea Crawford
- *Mandela* (1987), as Winnie Mandela
- *Unnatural Causes* (1986), as Maude DeVictor
- *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as Adrianne Moore
- *L.A. Law: Pilot* (1986), as Adrianne Moore
- *Extremities* (1986), as Patricia
- *Puss in Boots* (1985), as Princess Lovinia
- *Sara* (1985), series, as Rozalyn Dupree
- *Words by Heart* (1985), as Claudie Sills
- *Sweet Revenge* (1984), as Vicki Teague
- *WonderWorks* (1984), series, as Claudie Sills
- *Go Tell It on the Mountain* (1984), as Esther
- *The Killing Floor* (1984), as Mattie
- *Cross Creek* (1983), as Geechee
- *St. Elsewhere* (1982), series, as Roxanne Turner — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/st-elsewhere.md)
- *Tucker's Witch* (1982), series, as Marcia Fulbright
- *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, as Princess Lovinia
- *Precious Blood* (1982), as Narrator
- *For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf* (1982), as Woman who lost her stuff
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Woman who lost her stuff, Mattie, Esther
- *The Ambush Murders* (1982), as Karisha Ellsworth
- *The Sophisticated Gents* (1981), series, as Evelyn Evers
- *Hill Street Blues* (1981), series, Actor — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md)
- *HealtH* (1980), as Sally Benbow
- *Palmerstown, U.S.A.* (1980), series, Actor
- *Freedom Road* (1979), as Katie
- *The White Shadow* (1978), series, as Sandra Wilcox
- *The Trial of the Moke* (1978), as Lucy Smith
- *Remember My Name* (1978), as Rita
- *What Really Happened to the Class of '65?* (1977), series, Actor
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Mrs. Brown
- *Pockets of Heaven*, Actor
- *The Thing That Hurts*, Actor
- *2034*, Actor
- *Hate to See You Go*, Actor

## Gallery

- ![Alfre Woodard](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-bc853e65a951.jpg) Alfre Woodard — United States House of Representatives - Office of Terri Sewell, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Alfre_Woodard_-_2019_02.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Cropped version of Alfre Woodard at Obama Rally during the Democratic National Convention (2008)](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-6c294f42ea96.jpg) Cropped version of Alfre Woodard at Obama Rally during the Democratic National Convention (2008) — Michelle Uthoff-Campbell, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Alfre_Woodard.jpg/1280px-Alfre_Woodard.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Alfre Woodard at the premiere of 12 Years a Slave, 2013 Toronto Film Festival](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-0bad4522266d.jpg) Alfre Woodard at the premiere of 12 Years a Slave, 2013 Toronto Film Festival — GabboT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Alfre_Woodard_12_Years_a_Slave_59.jpg/1280px-Alfre_Woodard_12_Years_a_Slave_59.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Alfre Woodard at the premiere of 12 Years a Slave, 2013 Toronto Film Festival](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-b2c86d062868.jpg) Alfre Woodard at the premiere of 12 Years a Slave, 2013 Toronto Film Festival — GabboT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/Alfre_Woodard_12_Years_a_Slave_60.jpg/1280px-Alfre_Woodard_12_Years_a_Slave_60.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Alfre Woodard](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-9fdf4e0c4bd0.jpg) Alfre Woodard — Image via TMDB
- ![Alfre Woodard](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-fdd03aa1cbbd.jpg) Alfre Woodard — Image via TMDB
- ![Alfre Woodard](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-28cf7b8b3e3d.jpg) Alfre Woodard — Image via TMDB
- ![JCSU Alfre Woodard Congressional Black Caucus - Johnson C. Smith University (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-4dc92d8b64e4.jpg) JCSU Alfre Woodard Congressional Black Caucus - Johnson C. Smith University (2012) — Johnson C. Smith University, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Alfre_Woodard_2012.jpg/1280px-Alfre_Woodard_2012.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Alfre Woodard at 2013 New York Film Festival](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-c5ad9227fbc1.jpg) Alfre Woodard at 2013 New York Film Festival — aphrodite-in-nyc from new york city, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Alfre_Woodard_2013_New_York_Film_Festival.jpg/1280px-Alfre_Woodard_2013_New_York_Film_Festival.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Alfre Woodard](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-7017681afe19.jpg) Alfre Woodard — Image via TMDB
- ![Alfre Woodard](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-4b5f62e4cf1d.jpg) Alfre Woodard — Image via TMDB
- ![Alfre Woodard](https://film.one/media/person/22464/gallery-b7b839c25b40.jpg) Alfre Woodard — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- 1984: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Cross Creek*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 4 won

- 2003: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (won), for *The Practice*
- 1997: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *Miss Evers' Boys*
- 1987: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (won), for *L.A. Law*
- 1984: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (won), for *Hill Street Blues*

### Other awards — 1 won

- Crystal Award 1995: Crystal Award (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/alfre-woodard