Closer took a deeper dive into the life and career of the incredible Uzo Aduba, an Emmy-winning actress whose journey is as inspiring as her performances. Here are five lesser-known facts about the star that will give you a fresh perspective on her life and career.
Her Love for McDonald's Runs Deeper Than You Think
Uzo Aduba, the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, has a heartwarming story about her childhood and her mom's second job at McDonald's. Despite holding two master’s degrees, her mom worked tirelessly at the fast-food chain to ensure her family could live the American dream. “She wasn’t there for laughs; she was there to support her family,” Uzo shared during an interview with NPR. As a child, Uzo found joy in the simple moments when her mom would meet them at the drive-thru. "I thought it was the coolest thing," she reminisced, adding that those moments made her appreciate the sacrifices her mother made for their family.
She Almost Walked Away from Acting
Even the most successful careers have moments of doubt. For Uzo, it was a series of rejections that made her consider leaving the world of acting behind. "I said to myself, 'this is it, I’m done,'" she confessed to Deadline. But fate had other plans. Less than an hour later, she was offered the role of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black. This pivotal moment not only changed her career trajectory but also earned her two well-deserved Emmy Awards. It's a testament to the power of persistence and trusting in the journey.
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Playing a Detective Doesn’t Make Her One
While Uzo plays detective Cordelia Cupp on the Netflix series The Residence, she admitted to Town & Country that real-life detective work isn’t her forte. "I use Find My iPhone for everything," she joked. Despite her on-screen sleuthing skills, Uzo confessed that she’s not as sharp as her character. "I wish I could say I am a master detective, but I could set this phone down and two minutes later be looking for it with no idea of where I placed it," she laughed. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best performances come from stepping outside our comfort zones.
Love Story: How Uzo Met Her Husband
Love stories often start in the most unexpected places, and for Uzo, it was a rooftop bar in Midtown Manhattan where she first locked eyes with her future husband, Robert Sweeting. The couple tied the knot in 2020, and their bond has only grown stronger with the arrival of their daughter, Adaiba, in 2023. Speaking to People, Uzo shared her unwavering trust in their relationship. "I never, and still never, doubted that he loved me," she said, highlighting the deep connection they share. It's a beautiful reminder that love can find you when and where you least expect it.
