Samira Wiley

Since Netflix’s original show, Orange is the New Black has begun, audiences have shown a whirlwind of love for the characters and the show. In particular, our love for Poussey has made it almost impossible for us to stop watching.

Poussey, played by Samira Wiley, proves to be a stand-up character with major integrity despite being locked up for drug charges. Her loving friendship with BFF Taystee also keeps audiences intrigued for what may happen next. Samira sat down with Brooklyn Magazine and revelaed that she is very similar to her funny and humble character in many ways.

When asked why OITNB caught her eye, she attributes it to simply reading the script.

““When I first read the script, I remember thinking that it was so different from anything else out there. There were so many women characters! I’m also a fan of Jenji Kohan, so I think that was the first thing that drew my eye, but also the women in the pilot were so different from each other, and so different from what else I’d seen on television. They were all fully fleshed out characters with different backgrounds, and they were different sizes and shapes… different everything. It just felt like something I could be a part of.”

When asked what it’s like to be Poussey.

“I think Poussey has an incredible amount of integrity. She’s that stand-up guy, you know what I mean? She’s going to do the hard thing, like when all her friends are jumping off a bridge, she’s going to be the one saying,“Wait, why are we doing this again?” I love playing someone who has so much integrity, who has so much joy and so much life—even though her life is now in prison. She’s locked up, but she’s able to build up joy anyway. You see it with Taystee in the first season, and then you see more in the second season, like when we learn about the kind of background she comes from, one with a loving home and some stability. You can see how that’s shaped her, and I think it’s so important to have had that.”

She is so popular that it’s often times hard for her to walk through the streets of NY.

“My sense of anonymity—even in New York City—is definitely waning. It’s a little difficult to walk down the street. People do really love Poussey, and they want to connect with this character and with the person who brings this character to life.”

She also is interested in doing plays, but she won’t be giving up on OITNB just yet.

“I’m a firm believer in being where you are when you’re there, always being present. And so I’m all about Orange right now, but I have to do a play. That’s home for me. My dream would be Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. [laughs] So cliché!”

Brooklyn Magazine also showcased a series of fabulous pictures that illustrate the actress’s admiration for both high fashion and comfortable clothing.

Check out the gallery for photos!

Candice Nicole

Source Global Grind