Tony Nominee's Pedigree

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Tony Nominee's Pedigree

Karen Olivo received her first Tony nomination yesterday for actress in a featured role in a musical for her portrayal of Anita in "West Side Story."

It's just another accomplishment for this young actress, a former student of the Harrison School for the Arts and alumna of the Theatre Winter Haven in Winter Haven, FL.

Olivo had actually played Anita before, at Theatre Winter Haven. The producing director of that theater group remembers her as "steady, committed, and talented."

She started acting when she was about 13, appearing in a children's production of "The Magician's Nephew."

She actually started acting after her older did it.

She got a $500 scholarship from Theatre Winter Haven for promising high schoolers pursuing a career in the arts.

Since leaving Florida, she has lived in the Bronx for the last 13 years. This is her fourth Broadway play.

She has also been in "Rent," "Brooklyn," and "In the Heights."

"In the Heights" did win a Drama Desk Award for outstanding ensemble performance.

The Tony Awards will be announced June 7 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Gina Wilhelm Actress