Danielle Brooks is a talented actress known for her powerful performances on both the big and small screens. From her breakout role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson on the hit Netflix series “Orange is the New Black” to her recent role as Mahalia Jackson in the Lifetime biopic, “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia,” Brooks has captivated audiences with her range and depth as an actress.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of Danielle Brooks’ most notable movies and TV shows, as well as her net worth and personal life.
Danielle Brooks Early Career
Before landing her breakout role in “Orange is the New Black,” Danielle Brooks had a few small roles in TV shows and movies. In 2011, she appeared in an episode of “Blue Bloods” and had a small role in the film “I Dream Too Much.”
However, it wasn’t until 2013 that Brooks got her big break when she was cast as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in the Netflix original series “Orange is the New Black.”
Orange is the New Black
“Orange is the New Black” premiered in 2013 and quickly became a hit, with Brooks’ character Taystee becoming a fan favorite. The show follows the lives of inmates in a women’s prison, with Brooks’ character being one of the main characters.
Brooks’ portrayal of Taystee earned her critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2015.
The show ran for seven seasons, with the final season airing in 2019. Brooks’ performance throughout the series solidified her as a talented and versatile actress.
Danielle Brooks Other TV Roles
While “Orange is the New Black” was Brooks’ most notable TV role, she has also appeared in other shows throughout her career.
In 2016, she had a recurring role in the HBO series “Girls” as Laura, a friend of the main character Hannah. She also appeared in an episode of “Master of None” in 2017.
In 2019, Brooks starred in the Netflix limited series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend” as Titus’ love interest, Dionne Warwick.
Film Roles
In addition to her TV roles, Danielle Brooks has also appeared in several films. In 2015, she had a small role in the comedy “Trainwreck” starring Amy Schumer.
Danielle Brooks starred in the film “Clemency” In 2019 as a death row inmate, earning critical acclaim for her performance. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and Brooks’ performance was praised by critics.
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia
In 2021, Danielle Brooks took on the role of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the Lifetime biopic “Robin Roberts Presents Mahalia.” The film tells the story of Jackson’s rise to fame and her friendship with civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.
Brooks’ performance was praised by critics, with many noting her powerful singing voice and emotional portrayal of Jackson. The film was a success, with Brooks’ performance being a standout.
Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Danielle Brooks has an estimated net worth of $2 million. This is primarily from her successful acting career, with her role in “Orange is the New Black” being a major contributor to her net worth.
Personal Life
Danielle Brooks is a private person when it comes to her personal life, but she has shared some details about her relationships and family.
In 2019, Brooks announced that she was engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Dennis Gelin. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Freeya, in November 2019.
Brooks is also known for her body positivity and has been an advocate for plus-size representation in the media. She has been vocal about her journey to self-love and acceptance and has inspired many with her confidence and message of self-love.
Conclusion
Danielle Brooks is a talented actress who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. From her breakout role on “Orange is the New Black” to her recent performance as Mahalia Jackson, Brooks continues to captivate audiences with her powerful performances.
With a successful career, a growing net worth, and a loving family, Danielle Brooks is a true inspiration and a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. We can’t wait to see what she’ll do next.
