Danielle Deadwyler is an American actress, writer, and producer, renowned for her compelling performances across film, television, and theater. Born on May 3, 1982, in Atlanta, Georgia, she has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic talents.
Raised in Southwest Atlanta, Deadwyler developed a deep appreciation for the arts from a young age. She attended Grady High School (now Midtown High School) and later pursued higher education at Spelman College, earning a degree in History and African American Studies. Her academic journey continued with a Master’s of Arts in American Studies from Columbia University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Ashland University in 2017.
Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Danielle Deadwyler |
| Date of Birth | May 3, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Profession | Actress, Writer, Producer |
| Education | Spelman College (BA in History and African American Studies), Master’s in American Studies from Columbia University, MFA in Creative Writing from Ashland University |
| Years Active | 2012 – present |
| Notable Works | Till (2022), The Haves and the Have Nots (2015–2017), P-Valley (2020), The Piano Lesson (2024) |
| Awards | BAFTA nomination (2023), Critics’ Choice Award nomination (2022), Princess Grace Award (2021) |
| Spouse | Reggie Haslam |
| Children | One son, Ezra |
| Residence | Georgia, USA |
| Social Media | |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Hobbies | Writing, Social activism, Reading, Theater |
| Favorite Genre | Drama, Biographical Films |
| Known For | Her portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley in Till |
| Affiliations | Spelman College, Columbia University, Ashland University |
| Genres | Drama, Biographical, Thriller |
Career Highlights: Danielle Deadwyler
Deadwyler’s acting career began on the stage in Atlanta, notably in the 2009 production of For Colored Girls. She made her film debut in the 2012 drama A Cross to Bear and gained further recognition for her roles in the primetime soap opera The Haves and the Have Nots (2015–2017) and the drama series P-Valley (2020). Her portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley in the 2022 biographical drama Till garnered critical acclaim and earned her nominations for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role Wikipedia.
In 2024, Deadwyler received praise for her performance as Berniece in the film adaptation of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, directed by Malcolm Washington, Vanity Fair.
Danielle Deadwyler Movies
- 2025 | The Woman in the Yard as Ramona
- 2024 |Carry On
- 2024 |The Piano Lesson
- 2024 | I Saw the TV Glow
- 2024 | Parallel
- 2022 | Till asMamie Till-Mobley
- 2019 |The Devil to Pay
- 2018 | Jane and Emma as Jane Manning
Awards and Recognition
Deadwyler’s exceptional talent has been recognized with several accolades:
- 2021: Princess Grace Award
- 2022: Critics’ Choice Award nomination for Best Actress for Till
- 2023: British Academy Film Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Till
- 2023: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for Till
- 2025: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for The Piano Lesson.
In 2025, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Personal Life
Deadwyler is married to Reggie Haslam, and the couple has one son, Ezra. She resides in Georgia, where she maintains a balance between her professional commitments and family life.
Interesting Facts about Danielle Deadwyler:
- Theater Roots: Danielle began her acting career in theater. One of her early notable stage performances was in For Colored Girls (2009) in Atlanta, which helped establish her as a versatile performer.
- Film Breakthrough: She gained widespread recognition for her powerful performance as Mamie Till-Mobley in the 2022 film Till, which tells the story of the tragic lynching of Emmett Till. This role earned her numerous accolades and nominations.
- Multi-Talented: Aside from acting, Deadwyler has a background in creative writing and is also a producer. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Ashland University, showcasing her multifaceted artistic abilities.
- Advocate for Social Change: Throughout her career, Danielle has been an outspoken advocate for racial equality and social justice, often using her platform to discuss issues that impact marginalized communities.
- Award Nominations: Her role in Till not only earned her critical acclaim but also multiple nominations, including for a BAFTA Award for Best Actress and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role.
- Family First: Despite her demanding career, Danielle is a dedicated mother and wife. She lives in Georgia with her husband Reggie Haslam and their son, Ezra.
- Recognition by TIME: In 2025, TIME magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world, highlighting her immense impact both within the entertainment industry and as an advocate for social change.
- Stage to Screen Success: Although she’s made a name for herself in film and TV, Danielle’s roots in theater have always influenced her approach to acting, often bringing a unique depth to her characters that transcends the screen.
- Love for Storytelling: Danielle’s passion for storytelling extends beyond acting. She has a keen interest in writing and creating narratives that shed light on important cultural and historical events.
- Celebrity Influence: She continues to use her celebrity status to raise awareness about issues such as systemic oppression, racial injustice, and the importance of representation in media.
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