Orange Is the New Black star Uzo Aduba has opened up about what she thinks of the movement for more diversity in Hollywood, women working together and being an Emmy nominated actress.
Aduba plays the fan favorite and maniacally loveable character Suzanne ‘Crazy Eyes’ on Netflix’s smash hit television show Orange Is the New Black.
OITNB has gotten attention from both fans and critics for its effort to bring more diversity to television. While most people focus on race when discussing diversity among cast members, it is important to acknowledge the variety in sexual and gender orientation written into the show as well.
When asked about what she felt about the topic of diversity surrounding her show, Aduba said that people are excited because it’s just a new element on television. “I think the attraction is the freshness of it, the uniqueness of it,” she told the Associated Press.
“I think that's what the thirst is for, something else and different and new with regards to diversity, with regards to gender, with regards to orientation representation, with regards to the number of each of those things on a singular show.” Aduba concluded, “I think all of those things brought together is what is exciting and thrilling for people to see on the show.”
The actress also opened up about her experiences working with other women in Hollywood, but don’t expect any juicy on-set stories from Orange Is the New Black!
“There is a myth out in the world that women can't work together. And I don't know if it's a chicken or an egg thing or what, but it's not true,” she said. “I think it's an idea that is put out there maybe to divide and conquer. It's something that I just have to write off as being a lie. If you bring good people together,” she remarked, “regardless of their gender…they're going to collaborate and support each other and that's going to happen. And that's what I feel like I'm a part of on Orange.“
Aduba has been nominated for an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress. As for what she hopes to feel like on the night of the Emmy’s, she said, “Beautiful and full. Those two things: beautiful and full.”
See what else Uzo Aduba has to say about her Emmy nod here.
Image courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com