Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba was born on February 10, 1981, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Nigerian parents of Igbo origin, hailing from Achi in Enugu State. Growing up in Medfield, Massachusetts, Uzo attended Medfield High School, where she graduated in 1999. She later pursued her studies at Boston University, focusing on classical voice and competing in track and field.

Aduba's acting career took off when she received critical acclaim for her performance in the play Translations of Xhosa, earning her a Helen Hayes Award nomination. In 2013, she landed the role of Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in the hit Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, a character that would bring her widespread recognition and accolades. Aduba's portrayal of Crazy Eyes earned her several awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

In addition to her success on Orange Is the New Black, Aduba has showcased her talent in various films and television shows. Some notable appearances include American Pastoral (2016), Showing Roots (2016), My Little Pony: The Movie (2017), Candy Jar (2018), Miss Virginia (2019), and her compelling portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in the Hulu miniseries Mrs. America (2020), which earned her another Primetime Emmy Award.

Beyond her acting career, Uzo Aduba is known for her passionate advocacy work. She has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and received the Point Courage Award from the Point Foundation in recognition of her efforts. Aduba also became Heifer International's first celebrity ambassador to Africa, witnessing the organization's impactful work during her visits to Uganda. Additionally, she recently announced her minority ownership in Angel City FC, an upcoming team in the National Women's Soccer League.