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Actress, Producer, Activist, Speaker
Founder and Executive Director of Reelworld
Officer of the Order of Canada
Recently appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, Tonya Williams, O.C., is an award-winning actress, producer and advocate, best known for her roles in various television shows, including Polka Dot Door and her 19-year portrayal of Dr Olivia Winters on The Young and the Restless. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards, including two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Series, two Emmy nominations, the 2023 Visionary Award from the Legacy Awards, and the 2024 Changemaker Award from the Canadian Screen Awards. In 2025, she was also inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
In 2000, Tonya founded the Reelworld Film Festival, now known as Reelworld Screen Institute, and Reelworld Foundation to create opportunities and support the career development of Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, and People of Colour in the Canadian screen industries. In 2020, she established Access Reelworld, which is Canada's largest searchable recruitment platform for Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, and People of Colour creatives in the screen industries.
Order of Canada
Tonya is appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada:
Tonya was appointed to the Order of Canada for her work as a renowned actress and dedicated advocate for increasing representation and access for Black, indigenous, and People of Colour in Canada's screen industries.
To learn more, click here.
Announced: June 30, 2025
Canada's Walk of Fame
Canada's Walk Of Fame 2025:
In June, after 50 years in the entertainment industry and 25 years with Reelworld, Tonya Williams was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in recognition of her distinguished career.
Watch the replay of the televised induction ceremony on CBC Gem and CBC's YouTube Channel.
Air Date: July 1, 2025 on CBC