Births on February 10

Uzo Aduba, American actress

Uzo Aduba: A Celebrated American Actress Known for Unforgettable Roles

Uzoamaka Nwanneka Aduba, born on February 10, 1981, is a highly acclaimed American actress whose versatile performances have captivated audiences across television, film, and theater. Of Nigerian American heritage, Aduba has established herself as a formidable talent, earning numerous prestigious awards for her impactful portrayals of complex characters.

Breakthrough Role: Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in Orange Is the New Black

Aduba gained widespread international recognition for her compelling and nuanced performance as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in the groundbreaking Netflix original series, Orange Is the New Black, which aired from 2013 to 2019. This critically acclaimed dramedy, set in a women's prison, became a cultural phenomenon, exploring themes of race, class, sexuality, and justice. Aduba's portrayal of Suzanne, a character grappling with mental health challenges and an intense need for connection, resonated deeply with viewers and critics alike, showcasing her remarkable range.

• Emmy Awards for the Same Role: Aduba achieved a rare and significant distinction by winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for her work on Orange Is the New Black for the same character, but in different categories:
  • In 2014, she was honored with the Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.
  • The following year, in 2015, her expanded role and the evolving tone of the series led to her winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
  This unique feat made her one of only two actors in Emmy history to win awards in both the comedy and drama categories for the identical role. The other legendary actor to achieve this was Ed Asner, who won for portraying Lou Grant in the comedy series The Mary Tyler Moore Show and later in the dramatic spin-off Lou Grant.
• Screen Actors Guild Accolades: Her peers also recognized her exceptional talent, as she secured two consecutive Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series in both 2014 and 2015, underscoring her consistent excellence and the widespread appreciation for her work.

Diverse Filmography and Critical Acclaim

Beyond her iconic role in Orange Is the New Black, Uzo Aduba has expanded her career into a diverse array of films, demonstrating her versatility across various genres. Her notable film appearances include:

• American Pastoral (2016)
• Showing Roots (2016)
• My Little Pony: The Movie (2017), where she lent her voice talent
• Candy Jar (2018)
• Miss Virginia (2019)

Embodying History: Shirley Chisholm in Mrs. America

In 2020, Aduba delivered another tour-de-force performance, portraying the trailblazing political figure Shirley Chisholm in the Hulu miniseries Mrs. America. This critically lauded series chronicled the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and the backlash it faced. Aduba's portrayal brought to life Chisholm's indomitable spirit and pioneering legacy.

Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005) was an American politician, educator, and author who, in 1968, became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Her political career was marked by her historic 1972 campaign, where she became the first Black woman to seek a major party's nomination for President of the United States. Aduba's nuanced depiction captured Chisholm's resilience, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to social justice.

• Prestigious Awards for Mrs. America: Her powerful performance as Chisholm earned her widespread critical acclaim and several significant awards:
  • The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.
  • The Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries.
  These accolades further solidified her status as one of the most compelling actors of her generation, capable of embodying both fictional and historical figures with profound depth and authenticity.

  Frequently Asked Questions about Uzo Aduba

  What is Uzo Aduba's full name?

  Uzo Aduba's full name is Uzoamaka Nwanneka Aduba.

  What role made Uzo Aduba famous?

  Uzo Aduba became widely famous for her role as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black.

  How many Emmy Awards has Uzo Aduba won for Orange Is the New Black?

  Uzo Aduba won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her role in Orange Is the New Black: one for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (2014) and another for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2015).

  What is unique about Uzo Aduba's Emmy wins for Orange Is the New Black?

  Uzo Aduba is one of only two actors in Emmy history to win an Emmy Award in both the comedy and drama categories for the exact same role. The other actor to achieve this distinction is Ed Asner for his portrayal of Lou Grant.

  Who did Uzo Aduba play in the miniseries Mrs. America?

  In the 2020 Hulu miniseries Mrs. America, Uzo Aduba portrayed the iconic American politician and activist Shirley Chisholm.

  What awards did Uzo Aduba receive for her role in Mrs. America?

  For her performance as Shirley Chisholm in Mrs. America, Uzo Aduba won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie and the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries.