She played the title role in the Showtime movie Run For The Dream: The Gail Devers’ Story.

Starring as Cindy in the ABC Movie of the Week, Woodard was the first black Cinderella portrayed on TV or film.

In 1977, she made her Broadway debut in the revival of Hair, directed by Tom O’Horgan; played a supporting role in the movie version of Hair, directed by Milos Forman; starred as Cindy in the NBC Movie of the Week, Cindy; and performed on The Tonight Show.

Charlayne Woodard has written and performed five solo plays: Neat, Pretty Fire, In Real Life, The Night Watcher and Flight.

Among Woodard's many TV roles are Priscilla Fury in Marvel Studios' miniseries, Secret Invasion (2023) which reunites her with Jackson; season regular on Pose (2018); recurring roles on In Treatment Season 4; Animal Kingdom (2021); Prodigal Son 2019 – 2020); Sneaky Pete (2019); Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008); Sweet Justice (1994); Sister Peg on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (2002 to 2011), ER  (2006–2007); and Chicago Hope (1994–2000).