Danielle Brooks

Born:September 17, 1989

Place of Birth:Augusta, Georgia, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

With a commanding presence on screen and stage, Danielle Brooks has solidified her place as a versatile and talented American actress. Born on September 17, 1989, Brooks rose to prominence with her compelling portrayal of the lovable and complex character Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson in the hit Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black" from 2013 to 2019.

Stepping onto the Broadway stage in 2015, Brooks showcased her exceptional singing and acting abilities in the musical revival of "The Color Purple" as the unforgettable character Sofia. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Tony Award nomination and a Grammy Award. This success continued in 2023 when she reprised her role in the film adaptation of "The Color Purple," earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award.

In 2021, Brooks mesmerized audiences with her portrayal of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the biographical film "Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia." Her talent and dedication to her craft shone through, earning her a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award as an executive producer. Demonstrating her versatility, Brooks ventured into hosting with Netflix's reality series "Instant Dream Home" in 2022, showcasing her charisma and warmth on screen.

Continuing to showcase her range as an actress, Brooks delved into the world of superhero series with her role in "Peacemaker" starting in 2022. Her dynamic presence on the small screen captivated audiences, further solidifying her reputation as a talented performer. Returning to her roots in theater, Brooks graced Broadway once again in the revival of August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson," earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for her compelling performance.

In addition to her impressive acting credits, Brooks expanded her repertoire by starring in the fantasy adventure comedy "A Minecraft Movie," showcasing her ability to bring depth and humor to a diverse range of roles. With each project, Danielle Brooks continues to captivate audiences with her authenticity, emotional depth, and undeniable talent, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

Images

Filmography

Acting

A Minecraft Movie

Dawn

2025

Four misfits find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they'll have to master this world while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter, Steve.

The Angry Birds Movie

Olive Blue / Monica the Crossing Guard (voice)

2016

An island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red, a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck, and the volatile Bomb have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to.

Fireproof

Young Catherine (voice)

2008

A heroic fire captain values dedication and service to others above all else, but the most important partnership in his life, his marriage, is about to go up in smoke.

The Color Purple

Sofia

2023

A decades-spanning tale of love and resilience and of one woman's journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.