Actor Danielle Brooks has blessings to count

Danielle Brooks, known for her powerful performances in 'Orange Is the New Black' and 'The Color Purple,' sat down with Terry Gross to discuss her multifaceted career, her deep roots in the church, and her personal journey of self-acceptance. Brooks shared insights into her acting process, her musical background, and the profound influence of her upbringing on her artistic and personal life.

From Juilliard to Prison Roles

Brooks' career began with a bang, landing the role of Taystee in Netflix's 'Orange Is the New Black' shortly after graduating from Juilliard. She recounted the astonishment of being recognized everywhere she went, a testament to the show's immediate impact. Two years into filming 'Orange,' Brooks secured a role in the Broadway revival of 'The Color Purple' as Sofia, a character famously played by Oprah Winfrey in the 1985 film. This was a full-circle moment for Brooks, as the original Broadway production of 'The Color Purple' was the first Broadway show she had ever seen, convincing her that a place existed for a Black woman like her in acting. She even continued to film 'Orange' while performing on Broadway, a testament to her dedication.

Terry Gross noted Brooks' recurring theme of prison-related roles, from playing a prisoner in 'Orange Is the New Black' to portraying the wife of an ex-convict in her new indie film, 'If I Go, Will They Miss Me?' Brooks acknowledged this pattern, jokingly suggesting she might need to play a "royal queen" next. She emphasized that her acting choices are driven by a search for "honesty and truthfulness" in the world, often leading her to roles that reflect the realities of mass incarceration.