Charlayne Woodard, born on December 29, 1953, in Albany, New York, is an acclaimed American playwright and actress. She began her professional career in 1976 with the road company of "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope," directed by Vinette Carroll, the first black female director on Broadway.

In 1977, she made her Broadway debut in the revival of "Hair," directed by Tom O'Horgan, and also appeared in the film version directed by Milos Forman.

Her career includes notable roles in "Ain't Misbehavin'" (1978), for which she was nominated for both a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

She has written and performed five solo plays: "Neat," "Pretty Fire," "In Real Life," "The Night Watcher," and "Flight," which have received widespread critical acclaim.

She has also written two multi-character plays, "The Garden" and "Flight," showcasing her versatility as a writer. Charlayne Woodard has appeared in films directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Milos Foreman, Louis Malle, and John Schlesinger, among others.

On television, she has made memorable performances on shows like "The Johnny Carson Show," "Pose," and "Secret Invasion."