Danai Gurira

Danai Jekesai Gurira (born February 14, 1978) is a Zimbabwean-American actress and playwright. She gained recognition for her roles as Michonne on the AMC horror series The Walking Dead (2012–2020, 2022) and as Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero films, including Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). Gurira also wrote the Broadway play Eclipsed, receiving a Tony Award nomination for Best Play. Born in Grinnell, Iowa, to Zimbabwean parents, she is the youngest of four siblings. Gurira's parents emigrated from Zimbabwe to the United States in 1964. She is known for her impactful performances and contributions to both stage and screen.