Beyond Broadway: The Best Screen Roles Of Danielle Brooks So Far
Okay, so you know Danielle Brooks, right? Like, the Danielle Brooks. The one who absolutely owned Broadway as Sophia in The Color Purple. Seriously, her voice? Unreal. But like, what happens when she steps off the stage and onto the screen? Because, let me tell you, she's been serving looks and talent in so many ways you might have missed. We're talking beyond the bright lights, people! So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's dish about some of her absolute best screen moments. You ready?
First off, we have to talk about Orange Is the New Black. I mean, come on. This was her big breakout, wasn't it? And her character, Taystee? Oh, Taystee. So complex, so hilarious, so heartbreakingly real. Brooks made us feel every single thing Taystee went through. Remember those early seasons? She was the comic relief, the voice of reason, the life of the party in Litchfield. Her comedic timing was chef's kiss perfect.
But then, things got heavy. And oh. My. Goodness. Danielle navigated those darker storylines with such raw emotion. It wasn't just acting; it felt like she was living it. The pain, the anger, the resilience… she showed us the full spectrum. Did you ever just sit there, staring at the TV, and think, "How is she doing this?" Because I did. Multiple times. Seriously, her performance was a masterclass. And let's be honest, she absolutely stole every scene she was in. No offense to anyone else, but she just had this magnetic pull, didn't she?
And the way she portrayed Taystee's journey with Poussey? Pure magic. Those moments of genuine friendship, of shared dreams in a place that tried to crush them… it was so tender and beautiful. Brooks had this incredible ability to make you laugh one second and then have tears streaming down your face the next. That's the mark of a true star, my friends. She made us invest in Taystee's fate, and when things went south… well, let's just say a lot of us were feeling it deeply. It's still a performance that sticks with me, years later. It really cemented her as a force to be reckoned with.
Okay, so after Litchfield, what’s next? Well, she popped up in a few other things, but then came the Beyoncé of it all. Yes, I'm talking about The Lion King. The live-action one. Now, I know there were… opinions… about that movie. But can we just pause for a second and appreciate her as Nala? She lent her voice to this iconic character, and she absolutely brought it. You could feel the strength and the regality in her Nala, even in those CGI critters. Did you expect her to sound so… powerful?
Her Nala was not a wilting flower, oh no. She was fierce. She was brave. She was the one who stood up and said, "This isn't right!" I mean, her scenes with Simba? Even with the whole uncanny valley thing going on, her voice acting was top-notch. It's not an easy feat to voice a character you can't see, to convey so much emotion without facial expressions. And she absolutely nailed it. She gave Nala a gravitas that was truly impressive. It felt like a true continuation of her stage presence, just in a different medium. A very, very furry medium.
And then, BAM! She dropped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Like, who saw that coming? She played Tess in the absolutely bonkers series, WandaVision. Okay, seriously, WandaVision was a whole mood, right? It was so unexpected, so quirky, and Danielle fit right in. Her character, Tess, was this no-nonsense, capable agent. She wasn't some damsel in distress; she was part of the action, even in a reality-bending, sitcom-loving, apocalyptic landscape. Did you get whiplash watching that show? Because I did.
Brooks brought this grounded energy to Tess. Even amidst all the surrealism, she felt so… normal. And her interactions with Wanda? So much chemistry! You could tell she was having fun with the role, and that energy is infectious. It’s always so cool to see actors step into these huge franchises and make them their own. She wasn't just a cog in the Marvel machine; she was a real, breathing character with her own motivations and her own moments. She held her own, which is saying something in the MCU!
And let's not forget her foray into the world of romantic comedies. She starred in the Netflix film The Lovebirds, alongside Kumail Nanjiani. Now, this movie was pure, unadulterated fun. Two people on the run, mistaken for murderers, trying to clear their names while falling for each other. Classic rom-com setup, right? And Danielle Brooks was absolutely luminous as Leilani. She brought this vibrant energy to the role, this blend of sarcasm and sweetness that just made you root for her.
Her banter with Kumail was hilarious. They had this electric chemistry that made their whirlwind romance totally believable. And when the chips were down, when they were in actual danger? She showed that same grit we saw in Taystee. She wasn't afraid to be vulnerable, but she also wasn't afraid to fight back. It’s that perfect balance, you know? She can be the funny one, the one you want to have drinks with, but she can also be the one you know will have your back in a tough situation. It proved she can handle the lighter fare just as brilliantly as the dramatic stuff. Total win.
And speaking of Netflix, have you seen her in Maid? Oh. My. Goodness. This was a departure, and a powerful one. Brooks played Emma, a friend of the main character, Alex. It's a show about abuse, poverty, and the struggle for survival, and Danielle's portrayal of Emma was so nuanced and empathetic. Even with limited screen time, she made such a profound impact. You could feel the weight of her character’s own struggles, her desire to help Alex, and the quiet strength she possessed.
She brought a real dignity to Emma. It wasn't a flashy role, but it was so deeply affecting. It showed her range, her ability to step into a character that is carrying so much and convey that internal world with such subtlety. It’s the kind of performance that lingers, that makes you think about the quiet battles people fight every day. It's a testament to her skill that she can embody such a complex emotional landscape in a way that feels so authentic and relatable. It really solidified her as an actress who can tackle anything.
Then there’s her recurring role in Peacemaker. If you’re not watching Peacemaker, what are you even doing with your life? It’s delightfully absurd and incredibly heartfelt, and Danielle plays Leota Adebayo. She’s part of this ragtag team of misfits trying to save the world, and she’s just so… brilliant. Leota is smart, she’s loyal, and she’s got this quiet determination that is just captivating. You can see the wheels turning in her head, always strategizing, always caring.
Brooks brings a much-needed dose of grounded humanity to the chaos of Peacemaker. She’s the emotional anchor for the team, the one who’s trying to keep everyone on track, even when they’re dealing with aliens and butterflies. And her relationship with Murn? So good! There's this unspoken understanding, this deep respect. She’s not just a supporting character; she’s a vital part of the story, and Brooks makes sure you feel that. She’s got that knack for making you care about her character, no matter how wild the circumstances.
And can we talk about her upcoming projects? Because, from what I’ve heard, she’s not slowing down one bit! It’s like she’s on a mission to conquer every corner of the entertainment world, and honestly, I’m here for it. Whether it’s a gritty drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a superhero flick, you know she’s going to deliver. She’s just got that… it factor, doesn’t she?
It’s so exciting to watch an actress grow and evolve like this. From her undeniable Broadway roots, she’s taken her talent and translated it into such diverse and compelling screen roles. She’s shown us she can do comedy, drama, action, voice-over work… you name it. She’s not afraid to take risks, and that’s what makes her so fascinating to watch. She's the kind of actress who makes you lean forward, eager to see what she'll do next. It’s like, wherever Danielle Brooks goes, you know it's going to be good. Seriously, keep an eye on this woman. She’s a treasure, and her best screen roles are still probably waiting to happen!