The talented American actress, Uzoamaka Nwanneka “Uzo” Aduba, is best known for her role as “Crazy Eyes” on Orange Is the New Black. The award-winning star has won quite a few awards, such as an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, another Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2015, and Screen Actors Guild Awards for her amazing on-screen performances, as a female actress, in the Comedy sector. Talk about aspirational, right? This is why Uzo Aduba is in the spotlight!

Uzo with My Little Pony cast members

She recently lended her voice to the much-anticipated My Little Pony movie, in which she portrayed ‘Queen Novo’ – a strong leader and former Hippogriff. Her ability to assume such a diverse array of roles proves that this is one rising star you don’t want to sleep on!

Sparkle and shine for this year’s Emmy Awards, wearing a Sally LaPointe design

She is one of only two actors to ever win a Emmy Award, in both the drama and comedy category, for portraying the same character. The other winner was Ed Asner, who received it for playing the character Lou Grant in the comedy Mary Tyler Moore and the drama Lou Grant in the ’70s.

Intelligence, talent and ingenuity

45 minutes before she found out she had been given the role of Crazy Eyes on Orange is the New Black, Uzo had decided that she would give up acting and go to law school. We’re just glad she didn’t give up the role, because she was born to act! Uzo also happens to be fond of ice: she was a competitive figure skater for 10 years.

Leading lady on TV’s favourite entertainment company

Uzo recalls regularly watching two particular Black women on television, when she was growing up. “When I was a kid, there was nobody else like [Oprah] on television, nobody who made me feel as if I could see more of what we as a people can be,” she says. “It was Oprah and Clair Huxtable, and only one of those two people is real.” These greats inspired the her to become a leading Black contemporary actress.