History of Erika Alexander in Timeline

Erika Rose Alexander is an accomplished American actress, writer, producer, entrepreneur, and activist. She is widely recognized for her roles as Pam Tucker on The Cosby Show and Maxine Shaw on Living Single, earning two NAACP Image Awards for the latter. Alexander's film career includes roles in movies like The Long Walk Home, Déjà Vu, Get Out, and American Fiction, for which she received an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Beyond acting, she is involved in producing, writing, entrepreneurship and activism.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 19, 1969: Erika Alexander's Birth

On November 19, 1969, Erika Rose Alexander was born. She would later become an American actress, writer, producer, entrepreneur, and activist.

Others born on this day/year

1986: First Major Film Role in My Little Girl

In 1986, Erika Alexander's first major film role was that of Joan in 'My Little Girl'.

1989: Acted in The Mahabharata

In 1989, Erika Alexander played Madri/Hidimbaa in Peter Brook's nine-hour play adaptation of 'The Mahabharata'.

1990: Starred in The Long Walk Home and The Cosby Show

In 1990, Erika Alexander starred opposite Whoopi Goldberg in the civil rights film 'The Long Walk Home'. Also in 1990, she was cast as Pam Tucker on the NBC sitcom 'The Cosby Show'.

Loading Video...

1992: Starred in The Cosby Show Finale

In 1992, Erika Alexander starred on 'The Cosby Show' until its finale. Also in 1992, Alexander starred in the ABC comedy-drama series 'Going to Extremes'.

Loading Video...

1993: Starred in Living Single

In 1993, Erika Alexander began starring as Maxine Shaw in the Fox sitcom 'Living Single'.

1993: Going to Extremes Cancelled

In early 1993, the ABC comedy-drama series 'Going to Extremes', in which Erika Alexander starred, was canceled after one season.

1996: Appeared in Toni Braxton's Music Video

In 1996, Erika Alexander made a cameo appearance in Toni Braxton's music video for her song "You're Makin' Me High".

1997: Married Tony Puryear

In 1997, Erika Alexander married artist and screenwriter Tony Puryear.

1998: Starred in Mama Flora's Family

In 1998, Erika Alexander starred as Young Flora alongside Cicely Tyson and Queen Latifah in the CBS miniseries 'Mama Flora's Family'. She also appeared in the drama film 54.

1998: Won NAACP Image Award

In 1998, Erika Alexander won a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in 'Living Single'.

1998: Ended Living Single

In 1998, Erika Alexander's role as Maxine Shaw in the Fox sitcom 'Living Single' ended after five years.

2001: Starred in 30 Years to Life

In 2001, Erika Alexander starred in the comedy film '30 Years to Life', receiving a Black Reel Award for Best Independent Actress for her performance.

2002: Played Dee Mulhern in Street Time

In 2002, Erika Alexander played probation officer Dee Mulhern in the Showtime drama series 'Street Time'.

2006: Played Shanti in Deja Vu

In 2006, Erika Alexander played the role of Shanti in the science fiction action film 'Deja Vu'.

2006: Starred in Déjà Vu

In 2006, Erika Alexander played the role of Shanti in the science fiction action film 'Déjà Vu'.

Loading Video...

2008: Campained for Hillary Clinton

In 2008, Erika Alexander campaigned for Hillary Clinton and toured college campuses with Chelsea Clinton during the Democratic Party primary.

2009: Starred in La Mission

In 2009, Erika Alexander starred in the drama film 'La Mission'.

2012: Recurring Role in Last Man Standing

From 2012, Erika Alexander had a recurring role as Carol Larabee in the ABC comedy series 'Last Man Standing'.

2012: Co-created Concrete Park

In 2012, Erika Alexander co-created and co-wrote the science-fiction graphic novel 'Concrete Park' with Tony Puryear.

2014: Supporting Role in Elsa & Fred

In 2014, Erika Alexander had a supporting role in the comedy-drama 'Elsa & Fred'.

2015: Erika Alexander's Role in Last Man Standing Ends

In 2015, Erika Alexander's recurring role as Carol Larabee in the ABC comedy series 'Last Man Standing' came to an end.

2016: Starred in Bosch and Queen Sugar

From 2016, Erika Alexander starred as Constance Irving in the Amazon original drama 'Bosch' and had a recurring role in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series 'Queen Sugar'.

2017: Recurring Role in Beyond

From 2017, Erika Alexander had a recurring role in the Freeform fantasy drama 'Beyond'.

2017: Divorced Tony Puryear

In 2017, Erika Alexander divorced artist and screenwriter Tony Puryear after being married since 1997.

2017: Played Detective Latoya in Get Out

In 2017, Erika Alexander played Detective Latoya in the critically acclaimed horror film 'Get Out'.

Loading Video...

2017: Starred in Get Out

In 2017, Erika Alexander played Detective Latoya in the horror film 'Get Out'.

Loading Video...

2018: Penned Buffy the Vampire Slayer Comic

In 2018, Erika Alexander penned season eleven of the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' comic Giles with Joss Whedon.

Loading Video...

2018: Recurring Role in Black Lightning

In 2018, Erika Alexander was cast in a recurring role as Perenna in the CW superhero series 'Black Lightning'.

2019: Appeared in I See You

In 2019, Erika Alexander appeared in the horror-thriller film 'I See You'.

2019: Nomination and Starred in Wu-Tang: An American Saga

In 2019, Erika Alexander received an NAACP Image Award nomination for 'Black Lightning'. Also in 2019, she began starring in the Hulu drama series, 'Wu-Tang: An American Saga'.

2020: Released John Lewis: Good Trouble

In 2020, Color Farm Media, co-founded by Erika Alexander, released 'John Lewis: Good Trouble', a documentary focusing on civil rights leader John Lewis.