In this engaging conversation, three-time Emmy-winning actress Uzo Aduba shares insights from her memoir, 'The Road is Good,' reflecting on her mother's immigrant journey. Uzo discusses her transition from sports, like figure skating, to becoming an iconic actress, including her role as Crazy Eyes in 'Orange is the New Black.' She and Ted Danson bond over their experiences with sudden fame and the powerful role of storytelling in personal transformation. Uzo's heartfelt moments about grief and connection add a poignant touch to their dialogue.
Uzo Aduba's memoir, 'The Road is Good,' serves as a tribute to her mother and explores themes of strength and purpose.
The conversation highlights the importance of a strong support system, particularly Aduba's trust in her manager during personal challenges.
Aduba reflects on the liberating experience of portraying Suzanne in 'Orange is the New Black,' emphasizing authenticity and embracing imperfection.
Deep dives
Introduction of the Chicken Big Mac
The episode discusses the launch of the Chicken Big Mac by McDonald's, marking the first change to the iconic Big Mac in 50 years. This new version features two chicken patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and the famous Big Mac sauce on three buns, creating a unique twist on a beloved classic. It humorously addresses the debate around whether this chicken variant can truly be considered a Big Mac. The promotion encourages fans to try this limited-time offering available at participating McDonald's locations.
Uzo Aduba's Career and Achievements
Uzo Aduba, a three-time Emmy-winning actor, is widely recognized for her groundbreaking role as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in the acclaimed series Orange is the New Black. The episode highlights Aduba's career journey, emphasizing her versatility across stage, television, and film. It also touches on her recent memoir, The Road is Good, which pays tribute to her late mother and explores themes of strength and purpose. This combination of achievements showcases her prominence in the entertainment industry and her personal dedication to meaningful storytelling.
Influence of Personal Relationships
During the conversation, Aduba reflects on the significant role that personal relationships have played in her life and career. She shares a heartfelt account of her trust in her manager, Eric Kranzler, especially during challenging times, such as when her mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The support and understanding that Kranzler provided during those critical moments allowed Aduba to navigate her professional commitments while coping with personal hardships. This discussion underscores the importance of having a reliable support system in both personal and professional domains.
Lessons from Acting and Performance
Aduba discusses the liberating experience of portraying her character in Orange is the New Black, noting how Suzanne's unapologetic authenticity served as a valuable lesson for her as an actor. This role helped her embrace her full self, moving past concerns about others' expectations, and allowed for a more genuine performance. The freedom to explore and exist in that character's space illuminated the idea that accepting imperfection can be a strength. Aduba emphasizes that this approach not only enriched her craft but also positively influenced her life beyond acting.
The Legacy of Uzo Aduba's Family
The conversation shifts to Aduba's family background, particularly her grandfather's progressive views on education for women, which contrasts with societal norms in their culture. Her grandfather emphasized equal educational opportunities for his daughters, setting a foundation for the strong, resilient women in their family, including her mother. This legacy of strength and purpose is central to Aduba's memoir, which reflects on her mother's journey from Nigeria to the U.S., including the hardships she faced. This rich familial history reinforces the idea that individual success is often built on the sacrifices and beliefs of previous generations.
Ted Danson feels like he’s found a kindred spirit in three-time Emmy winner Uzo Aduba. They get into the surprising gifts that came out of Uzo’s experience of writing a memoir about her late mother, playing Shirley Chisholm, her track and figure skating past, what it was like pivoting from sports to acting, and what was happening in her life when she got cast as Crazy Eyes on “Orange is the New Black.” Bonus: Uzo and Ted trade their experiences dealing with sudden fame.