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Born Donna Renée Martin, September 21, 1958, in Harlem, New York, Dhonna is an International actress and songstress who has skillfully moved between dramatic, comedic and musical roles. Her first singing gig was with music producer Jack Douglas. She has performed with Patti Labelle, Roberta Flack, Freddie Jackson, Sam Taylor, Emme Kemp, JaRon Eames, Nikita White, and the list goes on. Dhonna's versatility has earned her numerous roles in television, theater and film. Among her list of credits is the starring role of Dorothy in the "Wiz" in Europe and understudy on Broadway. She was also the Revolutionary in "Travesty of the Homeland", presented at the Vienna Festival in Austria ("Cannes of Stage") and appeared in New York's Shakespeare in the Park's "Love's Labors Lost" as Jacuanetta. Dhonna worked 12 years in Europe acting and modeling. Living in Europe afforded her the opportunity to work and study with English director Peter Brook and Austrian director Ava Brenner.
Dhonna's television credits include NBC's "Law and Order", as well as roles on soap operas and situation comedies such as NBC's "Another World" and CBS's "Kate and Allie". Her film credits total over 20 films, including "Crocodile Dundee", "Brother from another Planet", "King of New York", John Singleton's "Black Snake Moan" and Mike Nichols's hit movies "Angels in America" and "Working Girl". Dhonna recently performed in a musical at Birdland in New York and had her own television special on TLC's Four Houses: "Deck the Halls". Dhonna has studied acting and voice with some of the best: Peg Murray, John Strassberg, Ilene Kristen, Dianne Kirksey-Floyd, Loften Mitchell, Therman Bailey, Shelton Becton, Ben Matthews, and Wayne Saunders. Dhonna's first modeling job was the Furmakers of Alexander's and most recently NovoLog and Lindor Chocolates. Dhonna's agency (rep) in Europe was Vienna People. Her USA (rep) for commercial and print was the Ford Modeling Agency N.Y. (agent Dee Dee Sneedan). Dhonna took a sabbatical when she got married and started a family. She resumed her career part-time in 2005 - present.
Dhonna and her husband Bobby's lives are truly about philanthropy, as demonstrated by the activities of their company, Goodale Productions. Independent films make independent people. It's not just about making movies; it's about changing lives. With revenues generated from their independent films and fundraising efforts, they are able to support various charities around the world. With a strong emphasis on education, the Tara L. Stevens Memorial Scholarship Foundation was established. Tara was Dhonna's baby sister, who lost her life due to domestic violence. Honoring Tara's memory, the Goodales empower young people through musical and educational enrichment programs, including scholarships both nationally and internationally. Their commitment to the youth of the world and to those who are unable to help themselves has been passed on to their sons, Jesse and Jared.
Their efforts also extend to aid the victims of domestic violence and abuse. The Goodale's message is to educate young women and men that domestic abuse is not a one-time occurrence. It often leads to hospital visits, life-threatening injuries and even death. Love yourself first and teach others how to love you. You deserve the best.
