Susan Wokoma
ActingSouthwark, London, EnglandSusan Wokoma, a talented actress born in Southwark, London, brings a unique flair to the world of British entertainment. With roots tracing back to Nigeria, she has seamlessly woven her cultural heritage into her performances, making her a standout figure in both television and theatre. Wokoma's journey began at a young age, showcasing her passion for acting when she participated in the CBBC series Serious Jungle in 2002. This early exposure to the industry ignited her ambition and set the stage for her future endeavors.
After her time with CBBC, Wokoma honed her craft as a member of The National Youth Theatre. This experience paved the way for her professional debut in the BAFTA-winning production That Summer Day. Her dedication to her craft led her to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) at just 19 years old, where she refined her skills and prepared for a successful career ahead.
Wokoma's breakout role came in the E4/Netflix series Crazyhead, where she portrayed the spirited character Raquel. This performance resonated with audiences and critics alike, leading her to win the RTS Best On-Screen Performance award in 2017. Her ability to blend humour with emotional depth has become a hallmark of her acting style, making her performances both relatable and engaging.
In addition to Crazyhead, Wokoma is widely recognized for her role as Cynthia in Chewing Gum, a series that showcased her comedic timing and versatility. Her television credits extend beyond these popular shows, with notable appearances in Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Crashing, the military comedy Bluestone 42, and the cult classic Misfits. Furthermore, she made her mark in film with appearances in the adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun and The Inbetweeners 2.
Her theatre work is equally impressive, with performances at esteemed venues such as the Royal Court, Bush Theatre, and the Royal National Theatre. Wokoma has also been involved in groundbreaking productions, including Phyllida Lloyd's all-female adaptations of Henry IV and Julius Caesar, which toured to New York's St. Ann's Warehouse, highlighting her commitment to innovative storytelling.
Wokoma's talents extend beyond acting; she is also an accomplished writer. Her voice in the industry is not just defined by her performances but also by her contributions to narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. In 2016, she was awarded Best Supporting Actor at the BBC Audio Drama Awards for her role in the radio adaptation of Marie NDiaye's Three Strong Women, further cementing her status as a multifaceted artist.
Over the years, Susan Wokoma has influenced a new generation of performers, particularly women of colour in the entertainment industry. Her unapologetic approach to her roles and her determination to tell authentic stories have inspired many. As she continues to evolve in her career, Wokoma's legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and a profound impact on British film and theatre.
Insomniacs Trivia
- Wokoma was a participant in the children's reality show Serious Jungle at the age of 14.
- She was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, one of the leading drama schools in the UK.
- Her performance in Crazyhead was praised for its blend of horror and comedy elements.
- Wokoma has performed in multiple productions at the Royal National Theatre, showcasing her theatrical prowess.
- In addition to acting, she is known for her writing, contributing to projects that challenge the status quo in storytelling.
Insomniacs Take
Susan Wokoma represents a refreshing voice in contemporary British cinema and theatre. Her ability to tackle diverse roles with authenticity and humour sets her apart from her peers. As she continues to take on new challenges, Wokoma not only entertains but also inspires a broader conversation about representation in the arts. Her work fosters inclusivity and encourages a deeper exploration of the narratives we share, making her a vital figure in the industry.
Thuso Mbedu
ActingPietermaritzburg, South AfricaThuso Nokwanda Mbedu (born 8 July 1991) is a South African actress. She rose to prominence for her performance in the South African teen drama series Is'Thunzi for which she was nominated consecutively for an International Emmy in 2017 and 2018. Mbedu later appeared on the 2018 Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list.In 2021, she starred in the Amazon Video limited series The Underground Railroad as Cora, which made her the first South African actress to lead an American television series, and earned her the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series. She then made her feature film debut in the American historical epic The Woman King (2022) in the role of Nawi.Description above from the Wikipedia article Thuso Mbedu, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Queen Latifah
ActingNewark, New Jersey, USA Dana Elaine Owens (born March 18, 1970), known professionally as Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, actress, and singer. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1989 and released her debut album All Hail the Queen on November 28, 1989, featuring the hit single "Ladies First". Nature of a Sista' (1991) was her second and final album with Tommy Boy Records.Latifah starred as Khadijah James on the Fox sitcom Living Single from 1993 to 1998. Her third album, Black Reign (1993), became the first album by a solo female rapper to receive a RIAA certification, and spawned the single "U.N.I.T.Y.", which was influential in raising awareness of violence against women and the objectification of Black female sexuality. The record won a Grammy Award and peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. She then starred in the lead role of Set It Off (1996) and released her fourth album, Order in the Court, on June 16, 1998, with Motown Records. Latifah garnered acclaim with her role of Matron "Mama" Morton in the musical film Chicago (2002), receiving a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.Latifah released her fifth album The Dana Owens Album in 2004. In 2007 and 2009, she released two more studio albums – Trav'lin' Light and Persona. She created the daytime talk show The Queen Latifah Show, which ran from 1999 to 2001, and again from 2013 to 2015, in syndication. She has appeared in a number of films, such as Bringing Down the House (2003), Taxi (2004), Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2005), Beauty Shop (2005), Last Holiday (2006), Hairspray (2007), Joyful Noise (2012), 22 Jump Street (2014) and Girls Trip (2017) and provided voice work in the Ice Age film series. Latifah received critical acclaim for her portrayal of blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO film Bessie (2015), which she co-produced, winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie. From 2016 to 2019, she starred as Carlotta Brown in the musical drama series Star. In 2020, she portrayed Hattie McDaniel in the miniseries Hollywood.Queen Latifah has been referred to as the "Queen of Rap" by several media articles, as well as "rap's first feminist". Latifah became the first hip hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2006). Latifah's work in music, film and television has earned her a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and an Academy Award nomination.Description above from the Wikipedia article Queen Latifah, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Josh Peck
ActingHell's Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USAJoshua Michael Peck (born November 10, 1986) is an American actor, comedian, and YouTuber. Peck began his career as a child actor in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and had an early role on The Amanda Show from 2000 to 2002. Peck rose to prominence for his role as Josh Nichols alongside Drake Bell's character in the Nickelodeon sitcom Drake & Josh from 2004 to 2007, and in its two television films in 2006 and 2008. He then acted in films such as Mean Creek (2004), Drillbit Taylor (2008), The Wackness (2008), ATM (2012), Red Dawn (2012), Battle of the Year (2013), Danny Collins (2015), and Take the 10 (2017). Peck provided the voice of Eddie in the Ice Age franchise since Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), and voiced Casey Jones in the Nickelodeon animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012–2017). He also starred with John Stamos in the Fox comedy series Grandfathered (2015–2016). In 2017, Peck started a comedic lifestyle YouTube channel, Shua Vlogs, featuring his wife Paige O'Brien, David Dobrik, and many of the vlogsquad members. He is currently a main role in the Disney+ original series Turner & Hooch a continuation of the 1989 movie Turner & Hooch.
Chris Wedge
ActingBinghamton, New York, USAJohn Christian Wedge (born March 20, 1957) is an American filmmaker, animator, and voice actor. He is best known for being the lead animator of the sci-fi action film Tron (1982), co-founding the now defunct animation studio Blue Sky Studios, and directing the short film Bunny (1998) and the feature films Ice Age (2002), Robots (2005) and Epic (2013). Wedge has received two Academy Awards nominations: one for Bunny, for which he won Best Animated Short; and Ice Age, nominated for Best Animated Feature. He also created and voiced the character Scrat in the Ice Age franchise (2002–2022).Description above from the Wikipedia article Chris Wedge, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.