Hanako Greensmith
ActingLos Angeles, California, USAHanako Greensmith is an American actress. She is best known for playing paramedic Violet Mikami in the drama series Chicago Fire.
Andrew Lincoln
ActingLondon, England, UKAndrew Lincoln (born Andrew James Clutterbuck; September 14, 1973) is an English actor. His first major role was as the character Egg in the BBC drama This Life (1996–1997). Lincoln later portrayed Simon Casey in the Channel 4 sitcom Teachers (2001–2003), Mark in the Christmas-themed romantic comedy film Love Actually (2003) and Dr. Robert Bridge in the ITV television series Afterlife (2005–2006).Beginning in 2010, Lincoln gained international fame for his portrayal of Rick Grimes, the lead character on the hit AMC post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead. For his portrayal of Rick Grimes, Lincoln won the Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television in 2015 and 2017. He departed the cast of The Walking Dead in 2018, but reprised the role of Rick in the 2024 Walking Dead Spin-off, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
Danai Gurira
ActingGrinnell, Iowa, USADanai Gurira has carved a remarkable niche for herself in the realms of acting and writing, firmly establishing her as a multifaceted talent. Born in Zimbabwe, Gurira's journey into the arts began at an early age, influenced by her surroundings and the rich cultural heritage of her homeland. Her family relocated to the United States when she was a child, an experience that broadened her perspectives and shaped her career aspirations.
Gurira's early career saw her honing her craft in theatre, where she developed a strong foundation in performance. She became particularly known for her powerful stage presence and emotive acting style, leading to her first significant breakthrough with the acclaimed play Eclipsed. This work not only showcased her skills as an actress but also highlighted her talents as a playwright, earning her a Tony Award nomination and solidifying her reputation in the theatre community.
Her transition to television came with her role as Michonne on the hit series The Walking Dead. From 2012 to 2020, and again in 2022, Gurira captivated audiences with her portrayal of the strong, complex character whose journey resonated deeply with fans. Her performance was marked by a blend of vulnerability and resilience, qualities that garnered her two nominations for The People's Choice Awards in 2019 and 2020.
In addition to her television success, Gurira has made a significant impact on the big screen through her role as Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Featured in Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), she brought to life the fierce and loyal general of the Dora Milaje, further expanding her influence in the film industry. Her performances in these blockbuster films not only showcased her versatility as an actress but also contributed to the broader representation of African characters in mainstream cinema.
Gurira's acting style is characterized by a deep emotional connection to her characters, often portraying strong, empowered women who challenge societal norms. Her ability to convey complex emotions and bring depth to her roles has made her a sought-after talent in both film and television. Beyond her acting prowess, Gurira's writing continues to inspire many, as she addresses themes of identity, resilience, and social justice.
Throughout her career, Gurira has been recognized with numerous accolades, including nominations for prestigious awards. In 2024, she received a nomination for a Black Reel Television award for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series for her work on The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, reflecting her growing influence behind the camera as well as in front of it.
Danai Gurira's contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond her individual achievements. She has become a voice for underrepresented communities and a champion for change, using her platform to advocate for social justice and equality. Her legacy is not only defined by her performances but also by her commitment to empowering others through storytelling.
Insomniacs Trivia
- Danai Gurira was born on February 14, 1978, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Zimbabwean parents.
- Before pursuing acting, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master of Fine Arts in acting from the University of Missouri.
- In addition to her film and television work, Gurira has participated in various humanitarian efforts, focusing on women's rights and education in Africa.
- Her play Eclipsed made history as the first Broadway play written by a Black woman to be nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play.
- Gurira is known for her extensive work in various theatre productions, including the acclaimed The Convert, which she also wrote.
Insomniacs Take
Danai Gurira is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, seamlessly blending her talents as an actress and playwright. Her ability to portray multifaceted characters and her commitment to important social issues resonate with audiences far and wide. Gurira's influence extends beyond her on-screen roles, as she advocates for representation and equality, making her an inspiring figure for aspiring artists everywhere. Her work serves as a reminder that storytelling holds the power to evoke change and challenge perceptions.
Pollyanna McIntosh
ActingEdinburgh, Scotland, UKPollyanna McIntosh grew up in Portugal and Colombia before returning to her birthplace of Scotland, where she first began performing, on stage, at The Edinburgh Festival. At 16, she left for London and soon became involved in indie filmmaking (her first paid gig was as a stoner in Irvine Welsh's The Acid House (1998)) and theatre, both as an actress and director. A move to Los Angeles in 2004 brought on more theatre, including a production of "The Woolgatherer", in which she directed Anne Dudek (a regular on Mad Men (2007)/Big Love (2006)) and David Dayan Fisher (a regular on 24 (2001)/NCIS (2003)) to great reviews. She then landed her first US movie role as the manipulative, born-again Christian, "Stacy", in Headspace (2005). It was as the wild "Thumper Wint" in the comedy, Sex and Death 101 (2007) (Simon Baker/Winona Ryder), by Heathers (1988) writer Daniel Waters, that the critics began to take note of her talent, citing a unique blend of powerful sexuality and irreverent humor. Working in both LA and London, Exam (2009) was next, BAFTA-nominated as Outstanding British Debut and winner of Best Independent at the Santa Barbara Film Fest, the film's critics noted Pollyanna's performance was "smart, sassy and sexy in equal parts....the emotional center of the film" praised her capacity to find the "emotional vulnerability" of her seemingly tough and ambitious character. GQ simply stated "stunning Pollyanna McIntosh is an enormously talented actress". Como Quien No Quiere La Cosa (2013) (As if you Don't Like it!), is a hilarious South American farce in which she plays Brit comedian Trevor Lock's disgruntled wife. Shot in Peru, she speaks Spanish throughout. In Burke and Hare (2010), directed by John Landis, she plays Isla Fisher's bestie with Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Jessica Hynes, Tom Wilkinson and Tim Curry. Her demanding turn as the lead in Lucky McKee's The Woman (2011) made shock waves at Sundance 2011, brought rave reviews and topped the New York Times readers' favorite movies poll. For her performance, she was awarded three Best Actress awards, including Total Film's Frightfest Award and Fright Meter's. As the female lead in the BBC political comedy, Bob Servant Independent (2013), starring Brian Cox, she played the professionally critical "Philippa Edwards", a very different sort of scary. In festival darling, Love Eternal (2013), she plays the female lead as a suicidal grieving mother. In the raucous Filth (2013), she played opposite James McAvoy and Jamie Bell, in the adaptation of Irvine Welsh's balls-out novel as the lusty Size Queen. Two successful British thrillers that see Pollyanna go from vulnerable to kick ass are White Settlers (2014), (known in the USA as The Bloodlands) and Let Us Prey also starring Game of Thrones' Liam Cunningham. In Sundance TV's Hap and Leonard also starring James Purefoy, Michael Kenneth Williams and Christina Hendricks, Pollyanna is nothing but kick ass as the neon-clad psycho killer, Angel. In US indy comedies Prevertere and The Famous Joe Project Pollyanna played it characteristically unsafe once again. Possibly her strangest role yet has been as Bobby in Ding Dong, teaming up once again with Lucky McKee for the 2014 anthology film Tales of Halloween. Pollyanna will next be seen in Blood on Wheels as the vicious biker gang leader Trigga. The film is produced by James Franco.
Freddie Highmore
ActingLondon, England, UKAlfred Thomas Highmore (born February 14, 1992) is an English actor. He is known for his starring roles beginning as a child, in the films Finding Neverland (2004), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), August Rush (2007), and The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008). He won two consecutive Critics' Choice Movie Awards for Best Young Performer.Highmore starred as Norman Bates in the drama-thriller series Bates Motel (2013–2017), for which he was nominated three times for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series and won a People's Choice Award. In 2017, Highmore began producing and starring as Dr. Shaun Murphy in the ABC drama series The Good Doctor, for which he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.