There’s a very long list of reasons why we absolutely cannot wait for the second season of Orange is the New Black–but at the top of that list are three things: Uzo Aduba and her “Crazy Eyes.”
When we were first introduced to the character, she swirled her way into our hearts and became our favorite lady of Litchfield. Before OITNB premieres this Friday, Uzo temporarily traded in her jailhouse jumpsuit for outfits that are a lot more fun and fashionable, and her bantu knots for a sleek, straight ‘do, in her first feature for Refinery 29. And, boy, is she a beaut!
Check out how crazy gorgeous Aduba looks in more photos from her spread, and keep on reading for some bits of her interview.
On the criticism of OITNB being centered around white characters:
“This is a true story,” she explains. “We didn’t make it up, and to negate that dishonors the story we’re trying to tell. And, beyond Piper, this is the reality of the world, and the reality of prisons.”
On her theater background:
“[It was] entirely about the actor’s work. It’s an actor’s medium. So, it was ideal to come into something like Netflix. They’re in such a pioneering position, they’re really willing to take the risk, and they have a hands-off approach. I couldn’t ask for a better first experience.”
On regularly sending Oprah fan mail from 13 through college:
“She was so fantastic to me. She tells a story about watching Sydney Poitier at the Academy Awards, and how inspired she was, and Oprah was that same figure to me. Once, she even wrote back — I don’t even care if it was standard stock stuff, it was signed in purple sharpie, with that Oprah signature.”
What to expect for season two:
“It is next-level. Things that are up go down. Forwards means backwards. Buckle up. Get ready.”
On how big her character has become:
“I was supposed to be there for two or three episodes. I watched it grow for me and for everyone — but nobody could ever have imagined what it became. That’s what makes it such a blessing, and makes me even more thankful. As Oprah says, ‘I should have dreamed a bigger dream.'”
Be sure to head on over to Refinery 29 for the rest of her interview and get your couch ready for your OITNB binge this Friday.
PHOTO CREDIT & SOURCE: Refinery 29
