

Uzo Aduba on creating a White House murder mystery
Mar 21, 2025
Uzo Aduba, celebrated for her role in 'The Residence,' joins Cleve Wootson to discuss the fascinating blend of fiction and reality within the gripping murder mystery set in the White House. They explore the character of detective Cordelia Cupp, who uses her passion for birdwatching to unravel complex puzzles. The duo highlights the often-overlooked lives of marginalized figures in the White House, particularly Black women, and the importance of authenticity in portraying this historic setting, revealing deeper narratives often left in the shadows.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cordelia Cupp's Attire
- Uzo Aduba's character, Cordelia Cupp, wears a distinctive tweed blazer with leather patches.
- This outfit reflects her Sherlock Holmes-esque persona and her outsider status.
Unimpressed by Power
- Cordelia Cupp, unlike many, isn't impressed by the White House's power trappings.
- She's more interested in the birds she can add to her birding list, drawing from Theodore Roosevelt's White House birding list.
A New Perspective
- "The Residence" focuses on the unseen staff rather than the usual political figures.
- It explores the "upstairs-downstairs" dynamic within the White House, offering a fresh perspective.