- Toni is the niece of drummer John French, aka "Drumbo" of Captain Beefheart. He is the author of Beefheart: Through the Eyes of Magic, first published on January 11, 2010.
- After arriving in Hollywood, Toni began doing background work to return to her beloved acting. On one set, one of her favorite principal stars came to introduce himself. They chatted for a few minutes and then he encouraged her to go get her phone. She was surprised (for her phone was off per the rules), but he assured her it was fine. When she returned, he took the phone, changed the setting, and later she found not one but six 'selfies' of the two of them. Time passed and she learned that two people had accused her of approaching "a principal" for a photo. The accusation had her not only suspended from the casting agency, but also banned from the show. The accusation was false, so she was reinstated to work after a few days. Toni continues to send love to all parties involved and wishes only to enjoy an abundance of work.
- Is actually 5'7.75" tall. However, the pull-down menus do not get that specific. For most of her adult life, she thought she was 5'7." A doctor measured her at some point and said, "No, you are closer to 5'8." And so it is... growth is possible even as one ages.
- Received her first line and performed her first stunt on stage in a grade school theatrical production.
- Her paternal grandmother was a professional dancer.
- Spent ages 4 through 12 living in Encampment, Wyoming. Its population was 333.
- Toni is a birth mother who made an adoption plan for her son prior to his birth. She wanted to ensure he had the best care and would grow up with two parents who could provide for him in a manner that she (at the time) did not believe she could offer. After reading a book called The Secret Life of the Unborn Child, Toni wanted to to minimize any trauma he might feel, so she regularly met with his adoptive parents to ensure he would know their voices.
- Played piano, flute, oboe, and guitar at various times in her youth.
- She is an artist, published poet, calligrapher, and writer.
- Her father's cousin was Dr. Ernest L. Boyer (deceased). He became Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) after five years as its first Executive Dean. He also served on commissions to advise President Richard M. Nixon and President Gerald R. Ford. And in 1977, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to lead the United States as Commissioner of Education. Ernest's mother Ethel was the sister of Toni's paternal grandfather. Toni's family remained close to Clarence and Ethel (Dr. Boyer's parents) until their deaths. In her last year of college, Toni suggested him to her College President as a potential Graduation Speaker. Dr. Boyer wrote a personal note to assure her that he would have been honored to participate in the ceremony had his calendar been open for the date. She was so moved by his thoughtful gesture, and although she did not see him again before his death in 1995, she is confident their souls will meet again.
- Made her film debut in 2000. She flew to L.A. to see a friend debut in his first play and stayed a few days with her friend Stephen "Paynie" Payne, a photographer, videographer, and independent film producer. He invited her to join him for a Sunday gig, and Toni was surprised to arrive on a short film movie set. They were shooting in George Hamilton's Cigar Bar in Pasadena, and Verne Troyer was starring as Ethan Runt in a spoof called "Mission Imp." Brothers Boaz and Tamir Haliban of Fiasco Films were making the film. Tamir approached Toni and said, "We haven't seen you on camera yet." He asked to borrow her for 20 minutes, and 7 hours later Toni had become part of the film. About 12:30 a.m., she noticed Verne was sitting alone and looked tired. She went over to offer him a shoulder massage to soothe him after the long day, and while she worked on his arms and shoulders, they had a lovely chat. She thought being on set was one of the most fun days of her life. And it had come on the heels of another magical yet completely natural experience the previous night. She had seen a friend of hers perform in his first play, and then Steve had to go to work again. He was videotaping an engagement party in The Hollywood Hills and while waiting for him in the kitchen, a gentleman came up to talk to her. He asked about her life, and she asked about him. He said, "I produce movies." At first, she thought it was a line, and then remembered that she was here in Hollywood where this must be the norm. She learned he was Ken Kokin, co-producer of "The Usual Suspects." It was such an interesting and natural conversation. He had some friends with him, and Toni offered to take some photos for them. After she returned to Maryland, she mailed him the doubles as a keepsake. During the visit, a number of people Toni met told her she would end up in L.A. And the seed was planted...
- Could out arm-wrestle and out-run her grade-school male schoolmates.
- Believes that in every moment we choose who to be, and therefore are always acting. So when on set, regardless of her role (with or without lines), Toni chooses to remain in character.
- Recently deemed a principal actor Robin Hood after chatting with him about his new role, and learning more about the back story. She looks forward to watching his character operate with integrity juxtaposed with an enterprise that does not appear to be guided by the same code.
- Learned that her great Aunt Nellie Bainter was a Vaudeville Dancer. Toni wanted to be a ballerina as a young woman, but grew up in such a rural area that there was no training available. During her youth she was not permitted to go to dances, and she is amused how often people are sure that she is a dancer and thankful for her creative genes. They have enabled her to invent and create a style that is unique. Eventually, she would love to master all the other techniques as well.
- Received her letter of invitation to join SAG-AFTRA on August 8, 2015.
- Joined SAG-AFTRA on 24 August 2015 and attended the New Member Orientation on 26 August 2015. She is excited to be part of the Guild and looks forward to enjoying its many benefits. She immediately joined the Film Society and Conservatory.
- Toni's mother began researching the family's genealogy. She discovered lineage dates back to Dr. Comfort Starr. According to a reference in the 1998 President and Fellows of Harvard College, "Dr. Comfort Starr brought his family from Kent, England, to New Towne (now Cambridge), where he reestablished his surgery practice in 1635. According to family history, Dr. Starr's house became the home of Nathaniel Eaton and served in 1639 as the site where Harvard College instruction began.
The Rev. Comfort Starr, one of Dr. Comfort Starr's nine children, was the first family member to graduate from the College (in 1647 Charter of 1650, the document that officially incorporated the school". - Toni's mother, Dorothy Joyce Finch French, passed away on Sunday evening, October 11, 2015 at approximately 8:30 p.m. EST. Toni traveled home to be with family and they gathered with friends and family to honor her mother's life on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Minnich Funeral Home in Hagerstown, Maryland. Her father and siblings each rose to share, and Toni felt moved to pay tribute with Karen Blixen's words to Denys George Finch Hatten, made famous by Meryl Streep in Out of Africa. Happy that her mom is now pain free, Toni smiles imagining her former husband Mike has welcomed her mom home, and they are dancing with grace all over the place.
- Toni met her late husband Michael James Donnelly in college and they eloped several years later. After a brief marriage, they chose to amicably part and remained in touch. When Toni learned he was pursuing a relationship she felt it best to pull back from contact. Devastated to learn of his death in October 2012, Toni flew up to the Adirondacks to attend a private funeral and later attended his memorial service the day after his birthday in January 2013.
- Toni's mother passed away on Sunday evening, October 11, 2015. The family reunited and gathered in Maryland with many friends, family, and business associates for a service to honor and share memories of her life.
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