History of Danielle Brooks in Timeline

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Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks is a celebrated American actress who gained prominence after studying drama at Juilliard. She initially found success in television and later transitioned to theater and film. Her performances have garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Grammy Award, as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award, solidifying her status as a versatile and accomplished entertainer.


September 17, 1989: Danielle Brooks' Birth

On September 17, 1989, Danielle Brooks, the American actress known for her work in television, theater, and film, was born.

2007: YoungArts Alumnus

In 2007, Danielle Brooks was recognized as a YoungArts alumnus, marking her early achievements in the arts.

2011: Graduation from Juilliard School

In 2011, Danielle Brooks graduated from the Juilliard School with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree, completing her formal drama education.

September 2013: Cast in HBO's Girls

In September 2013, Danielle Brooks was cast in a third-season episode of the HBO series Girls, marking her as the first African-American actress on the show.

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2013: Breakthrough Role in Orange Is the New Black

In 2013, Danielle Brooks had her breakthrough role as Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black.

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2013: Joined Orange Is the New Black

In 2013, Danielle Brooks left theater productions to join the cast of the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, playing Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson.

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2013: Breakout Actress of Orange Is the New Black

In 2013, Danielle Brooks' performance in Orange Is the New Black was highly praised, with critics calling her the breakout actress of the show.

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2014: Young Hollywood Award for Breakthrough

In 2014, Danielle Brooks received the Young Hollywood Award for Breakthrough for her performance in Orange Is the New Black.

December 10, 2015: The Color Purple Broadway Opening

On December 10, 2015, Danielle Brooks made her Broadway debut in the revival of The Color Purple as Sofia, which opened at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

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2015: Appeared in Master of None

From 2015, Danielle Brooks appeared in Netflix series Master of None.

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2015: Broadway Debut in The Color Purple

In 2015, Danielle Brooks made her Broadway debut as Sofia in the musical revival of The Color Purple, earning a Tony Award nomination and a Grammy Award.

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2015: Starred in I Dream Too Much

In 2015, Danielle Brooks starred in the comedy-drama film I Dream Too Much.

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2016: Voice-over Work in The Angry Birds Movie

In 2016, Danielle Brooks did voice-over work in the animated feature The Angry Birds Movie.

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2016: NAACP Image Award Nomination

In 2016, Danielle Brooks received an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Orange Is the New Black.

June 28, 2017: Won Lip Sync Battle

On June 28, 2017, Danielle Brooks competed against Uzo Aduba on Spike's Lip Sync Battle and won with performances of Ciara's "1, 2 Step" and Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer".

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2017: Appeared in Master of None

Until 2017, Danielle Brooks appeared in Netflix series Master of None.

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2018: Appeared in Sadie

In 2018, Danielle Brooks appeared in the film Sadie.

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June 2019: Played Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing

In June 2019, Danielle Brooks played Beatrice in The Public Theater's production of Much Ado About Nothing, receiving a Drama League Award nomination. Also she recorded her first single titled "Black Woman" in 2019.

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July 2, 2019: Announced Pregnancy

On July 2, 2019, Danielle Brooks announced that she was pregnant with her first child.

2019: Appeared in Clemency and The Day Shall Come

In 2019, Danielle Brooks appeared in the films Clemency and The Day Shall Come.

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2019: Orange Is the New Black Ended

In 2019, Danielle Brooks' breakthrough role as Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black came to an end.

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2020: Co-starred in Eat Wheaties!

In 2020, Danielle Brooks co-starred opposite Tony Hale in the comedy film Eat Wheaties!.

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2021: Played Mahalia Jackson in Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia

In 2021, Danielle Brooks played gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the made-for-television biographical film Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia, earning multiple award nominations.

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2021: Starred in Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia

In 2021, Danielle Brooks played the title role in the Lifetime film Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia, earning a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award as an executive producer.

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January 2022: Married Dennis Gelin

In January 2022, Danielle Brooks married Dennis Gelin in Miami, Florida.

September 19, 2022: Starred in The Piano Lesson Broadway Revival

On September 19, 2022, Danielle Brooks starred as Berniece in a Broadway revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson.

2022: Hosting Instant Dream Home and starring in Peacemaker

In 2022, Danielle Brooks hosted Netflix's reality series Instant Dream Home, receiving a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. She also starred in the superhero series Peacemaker.

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2022: Cast in Peacemaker

In 2022, Danielle Brooks was cast in James Gunn's Max superhero series Peacemaker, playing Leota Adebayo.

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2023: Reprising Role in The Color Purple Film Adaptation

In 2023, Danielle Brooks reprised her role as Sofia in the film adaptation of The Color Purple, receiving nominations for an Academy Award, British Academy Film Award, and Golden Globe Award.

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July 9, 2025: Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

On July 9, 2025, Danielle Brooks became an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

2025: Upcoming Role in A Minecraft Movie

In 2025, Danielle Brooks is scheduled to appear in the fantasy adventure comedy A Minecraft Movie.

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