Smith has appeared in several films, including Philadelphia (1993), Dave (1993), The American President (1995), Rent (2005), and Rachel Getting Married (2008).

She had recurring roles in the TV series The Practice (2000) and as Dr. Nancy McNally on The West Wing (2000–06).
Smith also appeared as hospital administrator Gloria Akalitus in the Showtime dark comedy series Nurse Jackie, which premiered in June 2009.
Early in her television career, she appeared on the long-running soap opera All My Children in the recurring role of "Hazel the shampoo girl".

In February 2014, Smith appeared as a mentor in Anna Deavere Smith: A YoungArts Masterclass, part of the HBO documentary series Masterclass.

In 2015, Smith appeared as a guest of Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., on the PBS television show Finding Your Roots.
Her ancestry in America was revealed to her for the first time.
She was descended from a long line of free people of color.
The most striking facts were linked to her great, great grandfather, Basil Biggs, born 1820 in Maryland.
He and his wife Mary were listed in the 1850 U.S. census to be free.
 His occupation was listed as veterinarian.
In 1858, he moved his wife and four children from the slave state of Maryland to the free state of Pennsylvania.
He chose to settle in Gettysburg.
Another newsworthy article was found in the Cleveland Gazette (1892) which referred to Basil Biggs as the "wealthiest Afro-American in Gettysburg," mentioning his great home on 120 acres.

In early 2017, Smith worked with Melissa McCarthy in the film Can You Ever Forgive Me?
In New York City, they filmed one scene together in which their characters briefly reunite for the first time after the long-ago end of their relationship.
Smith's character is a university professor of literature.
In October 2018, this film was distributed to cinemas by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Smith has appeared in several films, including Philadelphia (1993), Dave (1993), The American President (1995), Rent (2005), and Rachel Getting Married (2008). 
She had recurring roles in the TV series The Practice (2000) and as Dr. Nancy McNally on The West Wing (2000–06). Smith also appeared as hospital administrator Gloria Akalitus in the Showtime dark comedy series Nurse Jackie, which premiered in June 2009. Early in her television career, she appeared on the long-running soap opera All My Children in the recurring role of "Hazel the shampoo girl".
In February 2014, Smith appeared as a mentor in Anna Deavere Smith: A YoungArts Masterclass, part of the HBO documentary series Masterclass.
In 2015, Smith appeared as a guest of Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., on the PBS television show Finding Your Roots. Her ancestry in America was revealed to her for the first time. She was descended from a long line of free people of color. The most striking facts were linked to her great, great grandfather, Basil Biggs, born 1820 in Maryland. He and his wife Mary were listed in the 1850 U.S. census to be free.  His occupation was listed as veterinarian. In 1858, he moved his wife and four children from the slave state of Maryland to the free state of Pennsylvania. He chose to settle in Gettysburg. Another newsworthy article was found in the Cleveland Gazette (1892) which referred to Basil Biggs as the "wealthiest Afro-American in Gettysburg," mentioning his great home on 120 acres. 
In early 2017, Smith worked with Melissa McCarthy in the film Can You Ever Forgive Me? In New York City, they filmed one scene together in which their characters briefly reunite for the first time after the long-ago end of their relationship. Smith's character is a university professor of literature. In October 2018, this film was distributed to cinemas by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Anna Deavere Smith