Yvette Freeman

Yvette Freeman is a talented American actress, singer, and director, celebrated for her dynamic contributions to theater and television. She burst onto the Broadway scene in 1979 with the original production of *Ain't Misbehavin'*, showcasing her exceptional stage presence. Freeman garnered critical acclaim for her performance as Dinah Washington in the 1998 Off-Broadway play *Dinah Was*, earning her the prestigious Obie Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actress.

Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Freeman initially pursued a career in graphic design before her passion for acting took center stage. She became involved in theatrical productions, including notable roles in *The Wiz* and *Ain't Misbehavin'*. In 1990, she moved to Los Angeles, where she diversified her career, appearing in television shows such as *Tales from the Crypt*, *Knots Landing*, and *L.A. Law*.

Freeman is perhaps best recognized for her long-standing role as Haleh Adams, a dedicated nurse on NBC's acclaimed medical drama *ER*. She portrayed Haleh from 1994 until the show's conclusion in 2009, participating in 184 episodes and making her mark as one of the series’ longest-serving characters. In addition to her television work, she released her debut album, *A Tribute to Dinah Washington*, in 1999.

Her impressive career continued with a role as Ma Rainey in the Huntington Theatre Company's production of August Wilson's *Ma Rainey's Black Bottom* in 2012. Freeman also made appearances in daytime soap operas and guest spots on shows like *Boston Public* and *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*. In 2014, she joined the cast of Netflix's *Orange Is the New Black*, where her ensemble performance earned the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, further solidifying her status in the entertainment industry.