
Person
Ayanna Berkshire
Acting · Born 1977-01-17 · San Juan Islands, Washington, USA
Biography
Ayanna Berkshire is an American stage and screen actress, a resident artist of Artists Repertory Theatre (Portland, Oregon) and a 2020 recipient of the TCG and Fox Fellowship Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship, recognized for distinguished achievement. She is best known for her role as Cora in the first of the Twilight Saga films. Originally from a remote island chain in Washington State, Ayanna was just three years old when she began performing for audiences as a young dancer and actress. She had her first agent at 13 years old and has been working professionally since the age of 20. Ayanna splits her time between Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California.
Known for

Grey's Anatomy
Doctor

Grimm
Dr. Rose

Castle
Interviewer

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Helpful Woman

Leverage
Sarah Pennington

Twilight
Cora

The Librarians
Dr. Njenga

American Vandal
Joan McGovern

The Hunted
Bus Stop Mom (uncredited)

Leave No Trace
Dr. Berkshire (uncredited)
Filmography
- 2026Dead Deer HighRachel
- 2024The Way We SpeakAnnette Davis
- 2024Sometimes I Think About DyingEmma
- 2023New LifeMolly Presser
- 2023Who Are You PeopleTherapist
- 2020All Together NowOfficer Garland
- 2020The Dark DivideMrs. Gordon
- 2019Again and AgainRegina
- 2019The Shasta TriangleSam
- 2018Leave No TraceDr. Berkshire (uncredited)
- 2018Lean on PeteCop 1
- 2017American VandalJoan McGovern
- 2014The LibrariansDr. Njenga
- 2014The Record KeeperThe Counselor
- 2014Jeremiah's TreasureCindy Mathas
- 2013The Skin HorseDetective Goodman
- 2011GrimmDr. Rose
- 2010Extraordinary MeasuresWendy Temple
- 2009CastleInterviewer
- 2008Wendy and LucyPound Employee
- 2008LeverageSarah Pennington
- 2008TwilightCora
- 2006Say UncleMother #2
- 2006Punk LoveOfficer Lawson's Girl
- 2005Grey's AnatomyDoctor
- 2004The Dust FactoryHope
- 2003The HuntedBus Stop Mom (uncredited)
- 2000Curb Your EnthusiasmHelpful Woman
Follow their work on Vescene
Rate films and shows on two axes — quality and fun — and share taste with friends.