From Orange Is the New Black to The Residence, actress Uzo Aduba’s career explored

If Uzo Aduba’s powerhouse performance in The Residence left you wanting more, here’s your ultimate guide to her incredible journey and career-defining moments! The American actress of Nigerian descent has played multiple roles in her life, but Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in Netflix's Orange is the New Black remains a fan-favorite.

Currently, she's seen playing Detective Cordelia Cupp in The Residence, an intriguing mystery drama inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s book. The series kicks off with the murder of White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter, followed by Cupp investigating the crime.

Aduba's talent goes beyond appearing on the screen, as she's also a voice artist and has built impressive theater credentials. During the early 2000s, Uzo Aduba was active in theatre performances and acted in Translations of Xhosa (2003) and The Seven (2006) followed by her successful Broadway debut.

Uzo Aduba then made her television debut with a small role in the hit CBS drama Blue Bloods, marking the start of her journey on the small screen. However, there have been times when the actress thought of ending her acting career, as it wasn't always smooth sailing until Orange Is the New Black was offered.

Keep reading to learn more about the Emmy-winning actress.

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Uzo Aduba's breakthrough with Orange Is the New Black TV series

Created by Jenji Kohan, Orange Is the New Black came out on Netflix in 2013 and quickly gained popularity for its storytelling and notable characters. The story begins with Taylor Schilling's Piper Chapman receiving a 15-month prison sentence and is forced to face a world she never imagined.

Among the titular inmates featured in the Netflix series is Crazy Eyes, played by Uzo Aduba. Interestingly, The Residence star auditioned for a different role, but her unique hairstyle played a part in influencing the decision to cast her as Crazy Eyes.

Aduba's portrayal of an eccentric yet deeply layered character earned her widespread recognition and awards. She was honored with an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2014, followed by Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2015.

This achievement made Uzo Aduba among the few stars who received Emmys in comedy and drama for the same role. This success helped Aduba expand her career as she continued to make waves in Hollywood.

Some of her projects after the success of Orange Is the New Black include Hulu’s Mrs. America (2020), American Pastoral (2016), My Little Pony: The Movie (2017) and Lightyear (2022). In 2023, Aduba secured the role of Edie Flowers in Netflix’s Painkiller and is now leading Shonda Rhimes’ murder mystery series The Residence.

Uzo Aduba recently opened up to CBS News about being a fan of Rhimes. She said:

"I was a huge, huge Shonda Rimes fan, did not miss a Thursday with 'Scandal.' I've watched it twice … and just like Cordelia Cupp is the best detective in the world, Shonda Rhimes is one of our best in the television world."

The actress also took a moment to praise how well-crafted her character in Orange Is the New Black is. While Crazy Eyes had mental health issues, she showed growth and resilience as an inmate.

Also Read: Just One Look cast and character guide: Who plays whom in Netflix's latest Harlan Coben adaptation?

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Uzo Aduba's philosophy in acting

Uzo Aduba is one of the actresses who believes in constantly challenging herself to perform better. While talking about getting finalized for Crazy Eyes, Aduba mentioned being skeptical and doubting herself.

In an interview with The Guardian, she said:

"I got the role [of Suzanne, aka “Crazy Eyes”], I had a terrible audition for another show, and so I was like, 'You’re done. You’re not supposed to do this.'"

She continued:

"And so I quit. Then 45 minutes later, I got the call that I’d got this job. Never, ever quit on yourself if it’s something you believe in."

Uzo Aduba is known for her confidence, which she developed from her family while living in a white neighborhood. Her mother's resilience has been a major part of Aduba's life in transforming her into a brave personality.

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Also Read: Netflix to end period drama The Empress with a third and final season

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