Tonye Patano Biography: African-American actress Tonye Patano has a fairly extensive film and television credits under her name such as: Bringing Out the Dead, Little Manhattan and A Good Day to Be George. She played the role of Laverne Owens in The Jesse Owens Story, and had guest roles on popular series such as Sex and the City, Third Watch and Law & Order. She also appeared in the Broadway production 45 Seconds. Heylia James is played by Tonye Patano on Showtime's dark comedy series Weeds. Heylia is the aggressive matriarch who supplies cannabis for Nancy Botwin's drug business. She and her family provide constant support to Nancy and her children.