ADVERTISEMENT

Actress speaks on her faith, hustle and more

After choosing a career in comedy instead of becoming a doctor as she had planned, Yvonne Orji, knows what she wants and how to get it.

The 34-year-old Nigeria-born, Maryland-raised actress, who upon her return to the U.S. after working on HIV prevention in Liberia, chose a career in comedy instead of becoming a doctor as she had planned, knows what she wants and how to get it.

What might seem like a simple career change to you, is what Orji describes as a leap of faith.

During a recent interview with Huffington Post, Orji opened up on her hustle, faith and of course, "Insecure" season three.

ADVERTISEMENT

She revealed that she hustled for seven years, perfecting her craft, writing, taking acting classes, waiting tables and seizing every opportunity that to perform after moving to New York.

“I remember my mom [saying], ‘I don’t know… this acting thing, I don’t know,’” the actress said while speaking of her mom’s reluctance to buy into her career change.

“Then Lupita won an Oscar, and then she said, ‘Your friend has won.’ I didn’t even know Lupita at the time … but it became real for my mom.”

Orji eventually got a job as an artist in residence at the University of Richmond before moving to Los Angeles to write for TV One’s “Love That Girl.”

She also wrote a web series, “First Gen,” while still in L.A.

ADVERTISEMENT

After a decade of constant hustle, Orji finally got her break in October 2016, after auditioning for what has quickly become one of the biggest shows for black millennials.

Orji has toured with Chris Rock and reportedly has a forthcoming project with Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish.

Very big deals.

According to her, the recipe for her success has been preparedness and faith.

“‘Stay ready’ has been like my mantra before ‘Insecure’ and all. A lot of people hustle differently, and I was like, you know what, let me hustle and create and let me have something to show, cuz my hustle led to opportunity,” she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

She took the opportunity to share this same message in her latest campaign with Colgate Total, advising folks to “stay ready and you don’t have to get ready,” because an opportunity is likely to knock when you least expect it.

Orji also cited her Christian faith as the source of her strength which keeps her going when the path to the finish line isn’t always as clear.

“I let [my faith] guide me, because if I try to take the wheel, it’s about to be a mess,” she said. “I can only see what’s in front of me, but God can see what’s behind, what’s ahead of me, what’s beside me, and it just makes it so much easier to release control, cuz at the end of the day, if He brought me to it, He’s gonna have to bring me through it.”

Orji, who’s currently filming Season 3 of “Insecure,” is growing the complexity and diversity of black people, making them even more celebrated on screen.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I learned so much about black friendships, black experiences, through the show. I’m like yo, I’m learning a different type of blackness by being in the show,” she said, calling the opportunity a “blessing.”

“There are different types of experiences, and all of them are valid and all of them deserve to be portrayed in a real way.”

“Insecure” Season 3 airs later this year.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Oscar Heman-Ackah releases 'Finding Messiah' teaser — it's too good

Oscar Heman-Ackah releases 'Finding Messiah' teaser — it's too good

Sony’s Creators Convention redefines creative landscape for content creators

Sony’s Creators Convention redefines creative landscape for content creators

Eniola Ajao apologises for naming Bobrisky best-dressed female at movie premiere

Eniola Ajao apologises for naming Bobrisky best-dressed female at movie premiere

NFVCB wants to stop skits, Nollywood films from encouraging crimes

NFVCB wants to stop skits, Nollywood films from encouraging crimes

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu knew he'd marry his wife a month into their relationship

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu knew he'd marry his wife a month into their relationship

Candy Bleakz raises her artistry on 'Better Days' EP

Candy Bleakz raises her artistry on 'Better Days' EP

Whoopi Goldberg has confirmed a 'Sister Act 3' is in the works

Whoopi Goldberg has confirmed a 'Sister Act 3' is in the works

Mardeee set to release highly anticipated single 'AWAY' on February 23

Mardeee set to release highly anticipated single 'AWAY' on February 23

Adesua Etomi pens heartwarming note to hubby Banky W on his birthday

Adesua Etomi pens heartwarming note to hubby Banky W on his birthday

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT