Anna Deavere Smith is an American actress, playwright, and professor known for her unique style of documentary theater. She interviews real people and transforms their words into powerful performances, often addressing social issues such as race, health care, and education. Her notable works include Fires in the Mirror and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992. In addition to her theater work, Smith has appeared in various television shows and films, including The West Wing and Rachel Getting Married. She is also a professor at New York University, where she teaches at the Tisch School of the Arts, inspiring students with her innovative approach to storytelling.