David Emerson Toney is a multifaceted creative force, boasting a remarkable career that has spanned an impressive thirty-two years, with a diverse array of accomplishments as a playwright, screenwriter, and actor.
Not only has he established himself as a talented artist, but he has also honed his skills as an educator, currently serving as an assistant professor of Theatre, where he shares his expertise with students by teaching a range of subjects, including acting, directing, and playwriting.
Toney's illustrious acting career has traversed a multitude of mediums, encompassing film, television, and the esteemed world of Broadway. His impressive repertoire of credits includes notable appearances on popular television shows such as Law and Order, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, the cinematic thriller The Thomas Crown Affair, and the long-running soap opera All My Children, where he played the recurring and memorable role of Dr. Marquay.
Toney has made a profound impression on the stage, his extensive credits boasting a remarkable array of productions. Notably, he has appeared in the Broadway and World Tour productions of Juan Darién, a critically acclaimed show directed by the visionary Julie Taymor.
Furthermore, Toney has also been a part of the Broadway production of A Free Man of Color, a groundbreaking work directed by the esteemed George C. Wolfe. His impressive range has also been showcased in notable Off-Broadway productions, including Richard III at the esteemed Pearl Theatre Company and Once on this Island at the renowned Playwrights Horizons.
Toney has had a prolific career in regional theater, with numerous productions to his credit. One notable example is his appearance in Measure for Measure and The Tempest at the esteemed Folger Theatre. He has also graced the stage of The Shakespeare Theatre, where he brought his talents to bear in productions of The Persians, Othello, and Much Ado About Nothing, playing the pivotal role of Don Pedro in the latter.
In addition to his work at The Shakespeare Theatre, Toney has also appeared at the Virginia Stage Company and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, further demonstrating his versatility and range as a performer. Moreover, he has had the opportunity to work with Arena Stage, where he portrayed the complex and nuanced character of Doaker in a production of The Piano Lesson.
Toney's remarkable performances have garnered him a plethora of prestigious accolades, including the esteemed Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actor in a Resident Play, which he received for his captivating portrayal of Holloway in African Continuum Theatre Company's production of August Wilson's powerful and poignant play, Two Trains Running.
He has also been honored with The James MacArthur Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Resident Play, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
