Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye is an American actress, director, singer, and writer. She was born on January 11, 1978, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up as one of seven children in a Nigerian family. Despite graduating pre-med from Cornell University, Oduye decided to pursue her passion for acting. Her breakout role came in 2011 when she starred in Dee Rees' independent film Pariah, earning critical acclaim and awards recognition, including a nomination for Best Female Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards. Oduye also appeared in films such as 12 Years a Slave (2013), The Big Short (2015), and Widows (2018). She has showcased her talent on both the big screen and in television, including her role as Annelle Dupuy-Desoto in the Steel Magnolias television remake.