The Insider got to rub elbows with the international set recently, when we attended a reception and high tea for Tonya Lee Williams at the home of the Consul General of Canada in the stately Hancock Park section of Los Angeles. Tonya was being honored by ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) for her commitment to building a stronger, more independent Canadian film and television industry that reflects the country's rich diversity. The Consul General, Alain Dudoit, and his wife Michele were kind enough to offer their beautiful mansion and backyard pool for the festivities.

As you may know, Tonya keeps very busy outside of her work on "Y&R." She founded her own production company, Wilbo Entertainment, and produced "Tonya Lee Williams Gospel Jubiliee." She also directed and executive-produced a pilot for Vision TV titled "The Kink in My Hair." Somehow she also managed to find the time to found and launch The Reel World Film Festival, which she produces every year in Toronto.

Tonya accepted her award in front of hundreds of her Canadian and American friends, including Y&R co-stars Peter Bergman and Melody Thomas Scott, who may have cheered the loudest!

"This champions me on," Tonya said. "This says, 'Go, Tonya, Go,' and I will. I really want to thank every one of my friends that are here. It's the support of each one of my friends that’s brought me here today. Without you, I couldn't have done it, and I hope you continue to support me as I support you."

We had a great time catching up with Tonya and it was great to see her here in town. You never know where this globe-hopping dynamo is going to be!


Tonya was honored for her committment to diversity in Canada.

Peter Bergman congratulated Tonya on her honor.

Canadian Consul General Alain Dudoit and his wife Michele hosted Tonya's reception.