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Danielle Brooks

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BIO

Danielle Brooks starred as “Tasha ‘Taystee’ Jefferson” in Netflix’s Emmy nominated series “Orange is the New Black,” a role that garnered her two NAACP Image Award nominations for “Best Actress in a Comedy Series.” She also received the Young Hollywood Award for “Breakthrough Actress.” Next up, Brooks will star opposite John Cena in the HBO Max series “Peacemaker,” the spinoff series to James Gunn’s upcoming The Suicide Squad movie. Brooks starred as the legendary Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in director Kenny Leon’s “Mahalia” which premiered on Lifetime in April. For her performance, Brooks earned the “Actress Award for Television” from the Critics Choice Association Celebration of Black Cinema & Television. Additionally, Brooks was nominated for a Critics Choice TV “Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television” Award and received a Primetime Emmy Award Nomination as a producer on “Mahalia.” On stage, Brooks starred as “Beatrice” in The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park production of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Kenny Leon. For her performance, she received the AUDELCO Award for “Lead Actress in a Musical,” the ANTONYO Award for “Best Actor in a Play, Off-Broadway,” and a Drama League Award nomination for “Distinguished Performance.” Brooks made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple, which earned her a Tony Award nomination, a Drama Desk Award, and an Outer Critics Circle Award. She also received a Grammy Award and a Theatre World Award for “Significant Broadway Debut.” Other feature work includes a leading role opposite Anna Kendrick in Chris Morris’ The Day Shall Come, produced by See Saw and released by IFC, and a role opposite Alfre Woodard, Wendell Pierce, and Aldis Hodge in Clemency, which won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize and was released by Neon. Other television work includes a recurring role on Aziz Ansari’s Emmy Award-winning Netflix comedy series “Master of None,” and guest lead roles on HBO’s “High Maintenance” and “Girls.” Brooks’ voice work includes Sony’s animated feature Angry Birds, HBO Max’s Close Enough, and Netflix’s Karma’s World. Danielle released her four track EP entitled FOUR. Brooks co-wrote the songs including “Seasons,” which is featured in the series finale of “Orange if the New Black.” Danielle is the co-founder of “Black Women on Broadway,” which honors the legacy of Black Women’s contributions to the theatre. She serves on the Artistic Board of Urban Arts Partnership, which advances the intellectual, social and artistic development of underserved public school students through arts-integrated education programs to close the achievement gap. Danielle grew up in South Carolina and is a graduate of The Juilliard School.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2022
Berniece

[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In the Park, 2019
Beatrice

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2015
Sofia


Movies

Time Out of Mind
[ 2014 ] Receptionist
I Dream Too Much
[ 2015 ] Abbey
The Angry Birds Movie
[ 2016 ] Olive Blue, Monica the Crossing Guard
Sadie
[ 2018 ] Carla
The Public's Much Ado About Nothing
[ 2019 ] Beatrice
All the Little Things We Kill
[ 2019 ] Claire Soto
Clemency
[ 2019 ] Evette Wilkinson
The Day Shall Come
[ 2019 ] Venus
Eat Wheaties!
[ 2020 ] Wendy
The Color Purple
[ 2023 ] Sofia

TV Shows

Modern Love
Raimy
Girls
Laura
Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure
Ruthless Ruth
Master of None
[ 2015-2017 ] Shannon
Elena of Avalor
Charica
High Maintenance
Regine
Orange Is the New Black
[ 2013-2019 ] Tasha 'Taystee' Jefferson
Social Distance
Imani
Sarah Cooper: Everything's Fine
Jordana Bachman
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia
Mahalia Jackson
Close Enough
[ 2020-2022 ] Pearle
Peacemaker
[ 2022-2023 ] Leota Adebayo

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

Danielle Brooks, The Piano Lesson

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Distinguished Performance Award

Danielle Brooks, The Piano Lesson

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play

Danielle Brooks, The Piano Lesson

Drama League Awards - 2020 - Distinguished Performance Award

Danielle Brooks, Much Ado About Nothing

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple

Videos

News


Photos: Inside The Black Women on Broadway Awards

The Black Women on Broadway Awards returned for their third annual in-person event at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on June 10.
Arts Garage in Delray Beach is Offering Two Theatrical Productions in June

Arts Garage will present two stirring and thought-provoking theatrical events next month. Learn more about them here!
Cast Members From THE WIZ, STEREOPHONIC, and More Honored With 2024 Theatre World Awards

The 2024 Honorees have been announced for the Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. Learn more about the honorees here!
New Village Arts Presents THE COLOR PURPLE

New Village Arts will present the San Diego Professional Premiere of the groundbreaking musical: THE COLOR PURPLE, based on the novel by Alice Walker.
Photos: Danielle Brooks, Kenny Leon & Norm Lewis Visit LEMPICKA

See photos of Danielle Brooks, Kenny Leon & Norm Lewis visiting Lempicka on Broadway!
THE COLOR PURPLE to be Presented at Arts Garage in June

Arts Garage is presenting another stirring and thought-provoking theatrical event—with general admission tickets priced at only $10 each. Learn more about The Color Purple and see how to purchase tickets.
Irene Gandy, Aisha Jackson and DeDe Ayite Will Be Honored at 3rd Annual Black Women On Broadway Awards

The  Black Women on Broadway Awards will return for their third annual event on June 10 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
Interview: Jocelyn Bioh on the Success of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING & Broadway Representation

BroadwayWorld spoke with playwright Jocelyn Bioh about her inspiration for Jaja's African Hair Braiding, why the success of the play was so meaningful, her organization Black Women on Broadway, and much more. Read the interview here!
THE COLOR PURPLE Director Blitz Bazawule to Direct Upcoming BLACK SAMURAI

Fresh off the heals of his 2023 musical hit The Color Purple, director Blitz Bazawule has found his next project. According to Variety, the director will be working with Warner Bros. on a new take on the story of Yasuke, the 16th century African warrior. In addition to Warner Bros, three other studios were also interested in the project, resulting in a bidding war.
THE PIANO LESSON Broadway Revival Officially Recoups

The Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson which concluded its Broadway engagement on January 29, 2023, has officially recouped its investment.
Photos: Danielle Brooks, Vanessa Hudgens & More Hit the Oscars Red Carpet

Check out photos of Danielle Brooks, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Florence Pugh, Lupita Nyong'o, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, America Ferrera, Colman Domingo, Vanessa Hudgens, Emma Stone, Laverne Cox, and more on the red carpet at the Oscars.
Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Emma Stone & More Win Oscars - Full List of Winners!

The 96th Oscars are currently underway at the Dolby Theatre. Notable nominees include Danielle Brooks, Bradley Cooper, Maestro, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Colman Domingo, Carey Mulligan, Emily Blunt, Emma Stone, and more. Find out who won as we share LIVE updates below and check back later for the full list of winners.
OWN Network Set to Premiere Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards

This year's honorees and entertainment industry trailblazers include Academy Award nominated actress & Grammy Award winner, Danielle Brooks, six-time Grammy nominated singer and leading-actress Halle Bailey, acclaimed screenwriter and showrunner of All American, All American: Homecoming and Found, Nkechi Okoro Carroll.
Len Cariou & Peter Filichia To Be Honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards

The Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has announced two of the individuals to be honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards to be held on Monday evening, June 10, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Everything New On Max This March: What's Coming & Going

Discover the latest additions coming to Max this March. Stay updated on the newest releases and must-watch shows. Plus, find out what titles are leaving in March. Get ready to stream your favorites!
Jennifer Aniston to Present Barbra Streisand With SAG Life Achievement Award; Full List of Presenters Announced

Jennifer Aniston will present Barbra Streisand with the 59th SAG Life Achievement Award. A Devil Wears Prada reunion is also in the works with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt presenting together. Check out the full list, also including Idris Elba, Billie Eilish, Colman Domingo, Glen Powell and more.
Jonathan Groff, Jessica Lange, Kandi Burruss & Schele Williams to be Honored at 2024 Drama League Awards

The Drama League has revealed the 2024 Special Recognition Honorees of The 90th Annual Drama League Awards. Learn about the honorees!
The Public Theater Sets Traveling Free Shakespeare in the Park Schedule for Summer 2024

The Public Theater will present GO PUBLIC! A Festival of Free Shakespeare in the Park, featuring a suite of free summer programming taking place across all five boroughs. Learn more about The Public's summer 2024 season.
Exclusive: Danielle Brooks Looks Back on Her Stage Debut at Six-Years-Old on FINDING YOUR ROOTS

Oscar and Tony-nominated actress Danielle Brooks is finding her roots tonight on PBS. The Color Purple star is sitting down with Henry Louis Gates Jr. for a new episode of Finding Your Roots tonight with Dionne Warwick. Watch an exclusive video clip, where Brooks discusses catching the acting bug while acting in plays at her church.
THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Musical Sets Max Streaming Premiere Date

Warner Bros. Pictures’ THE COLOR PURPLE movie musical will make its streaming debut on Max next week. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones, the film is a bold new take on the classic story of love and resilience, adapted from the beloved novel and the Broadway musical.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Danielle Brooks been in?

Danielle Brooks has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Danielle Brooks been in?

Danielle Brooks has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Danielle Brooks been nominated for?

Danielle Brooks has received several nominations for her performances, including: - Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Piano Lesson - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Piano Lesson - Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Piano Lesson - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Color Purple - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Color Purple - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Color Purple.

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