Quick Facts
Biography
Ariyan Annette Johnson (April 30, 1976), sometimes credited as Ariyan Johnson–McDaniel, is an American actress, director, dancer and choreographer. Johnson is best known for her roles as Chantel Mitchell in the 1992 indie drama film Just Another Girl on the I.R.T. She also portrayed Aisha on the The WB hit comedy television series The Steve Harvey Show, only appearing in its second season (1997–98).
Early life
Born in Brooklyn, New York's Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood to artistically inclined parents. Her father, a painter and educator, and her mother, an actress, dancer, and educator. Johnson attended LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts where she majored in dance and film. She also attended Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance, and 92nd St. Y Harkness Dance Center.
Award nomination
Johnson was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead 1994 for her role of Chantel Mitchell in the film Just Another Girl on the I.R.T.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Just Another Girl on the I.R.T. | Chantel Mitchell | |
| 1998 | Bulworth | Tanya | |
| 1999 | The General's Daughter | Prvt. Robbin | |
| 2000 | Something to Sing About | Praise Dancer | TV Movie |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Law & Order | Angel | Episode: "Hot Pursuit" |
| 1997-1998 | The Steve Harvey Show | Aisha | 12 episodes |
| 1998 | L.A. Doctors | Tiana Edwards | A Prayer for the Lying |
| 2002 | For the People (2002 TV series) | As Herself | Episode: "The Double Standard" |
| 2003 | Static Shock | Tamara Lawrence (voice) | Episode: "The Usual Suspect" |
| 2004 | JAG | Private Michelle Boyer | Episode: "Hard Time" |
| 2004 | Strong Medicine | Episode: "Positive Results" | |
| 2006 | ER | Tamara | Episode: "Split Decisions" |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Superman Returns | Ariyan | Valve Software |