Who Is Uzo Aduba?
Uzo Aduba is a Nigerian-American actress best known for her portrayal of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Netflix’s hit series Orange Is the New Black. She has received multiple Emmy Awards and is recognized for her versatility in both comedy and drama. Her career extends from Broadway stages to Hollywood screens, and her story is one of persistence, cultural pride, and authenticity.
Real Name
Her full name is Uzoamaka Nwanneka Aduba.
The name “Uzoamaka” means “The road is good” in the Igbo language, reflecting her Nigerian heritage and later inspiring the title of her memoir The Road Is Good (2024).
bio wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Uzoamaka Nwanneka Aduba |
| Nick Name | Uzo Aduba |
| Date of Birth | February 10, 1981 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 44 years old |
| Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Hometown | Medfield, Massachusetts |
| Nationality | American (of Nigerian descent) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 68 kg (150 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim and athletic |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Parents | Mother: Nonyem Aduba (influential figure in her life); Father: Nigerian origin (name not publicly known) |
| Siblings | Brother: Obi Aduba (hockey player and coach) |
| Spouse | Robert Sweeting (filmmaker; married in 2020) |
| Children | Daughter: Adaiba Lee Nonyem (born November 2023) |
| Education | Boston University (Degree in Classical Voice) |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Producer, Writer |
| Known For | Role of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange Is the New Black |
| Major Works | Orange Is the New Black, Mrs. America, The Residence, American Pastoral, Lightyear |
| Years Active | 2003–Present |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $3 million – $5 million USD |
| Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Tony Award Nominee |
| Hobbies | Running, Reading, Singing, Cooking Nigerian Food |
| Favorite Things | Family time, Theatre, Fitness |
| Social Media Handles | Instagram: @uzoaduba / Twitter (X): @UzoAduba |
| Cultural Identity | Proud Igbo Nigerian-American |
| Upcoming Projects | Memoir The Road Is Good (2024), The Residence (Netflix 2025) |
| Interesting Facts | Only actor to win Emmys for the same role in both comedy & drama; trained opera singer; was a track runner in college; almost quit acting before her OITNB audition |
Age, Height, and Weight
As of 2025, Uzo Aduba is 44 years old. She stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs approximately 65 kilograms (143 pounds). Known for her natural beauty and radiant confidence, Uzo has become an advocate of body positivity and self-acceptance. Her strong yet graceful presence has made her a standout both on stage and screen.
Next Steps and Goals
Uzo Aduba plans to continue acting in powerful, socially meaningful roles and to expand her creative portfolio through writing and production. Her upcoming goals include promoting her memoir The Road Is Good and continuing her advocacy for diversity, mental health awareness, and representation in the arts.
Mother, Father, and Sibling
Uzo Aduba was born to Nigerian parents, proud of their Igbo roots. Her mother, Nonyem Aduba, encouraged her artistic dreams and remained a guiding influence in her life. Uzo has one brother, Obi Aduba, who is a professional hockey player and coach. The siblings share a close and supportive relationship rooted in family and culture.
Boyfriend / Husband – Girlfriend / Wife
Uzo Aduba married filmmaker Robert Sweeting in 2020 in a private ceremony. Together, they welcomed their daughter Adaiba Lee Nonyem in November 2023. Uzo often expresses how motherhood has given her a deeper sense of peace and balance.
Popularity and Its Reason
Uzo Aduba rose to worldwide fame for her portrayal of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange Is the New Black. Her emotional depth and ability to humanize the character earned her critical acclaim and multiple awards. Beyond acting, her cultural pride, eloquence, and positive activism have made her an admired public figure.
Career
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2007: Broadway debut in Coram Boy
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2011–2012: Appeared in the Broadway revival of Godspell
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2013–2019: Breakthrough as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange Is the New Black
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2020: Played Shirley Chisholm in Mrs. America (FX/Hulu), earning another Emmy
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2021: Starred in Clyde’s on Broadway — Tony Award nomination
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2023–present: Leads The Residence, a Netflix mystery-drama set in the White House
Uzo continues to work across television, film, and theater while writing and producing new creative projects.
Net Worth of Uzo Aduba
As of 2025, Uzo Aduba’s estimated net worth is around $3–5 million USD.
Her wealth comes from television and film roles, Broadway performances, brand partnerships, and upcoming literary projects.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $3–5 million USD |
| Main Income Sources | Acting, Writing, Production |
| Notable Projects | Orange Is the New Black, Mrs. America, The Residence |
| Other Ventures | Memoir (The Road Is Good, 2024) |
| Awards Impact | Multiple Emmy and SAG wins raised her career value |
Nationality and Religion
Uzo Aduba is an American citizen of Nigerian-Igbo descent. Raised in a Christian household, she often emphasizes spirituality, gratitude, and kindness rather than religious labels. Her cultural duality deeply influences her performances and public work.
Hobbies
Outside acting, Uzo enjoys running, singing, reading, and cooking Nigerian cuisine. She regularly participates in charity marathons and practices classical vocal music, a reflection of her Boston University training. She values time with family, fitness, and creative expression.
Read More
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The Road Is Good (Memoir, 2024)
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Mrs. America (Series)
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The Residence (Netflix, 2025)
Interesting Facts
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One of few actors to win Emmys in both Comedy and Drama for the same role.
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Nearly quit acting the day before being cast in Orange Is the New Black.
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Classically trained opera singer.
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Her Igbo name “Uzoamaka” means The road is good.
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Former track athlete in college.
Conclusion
Uzo Aduba’s journey from a small Massachusetts town to international acclaim is a testament to talent, perseverance, and cultural pride. She has not only entertained millions but also redefined how women of color are represented on screen. Uzo continues to show that success comes from authenticity, courage, and heart—proving, as her name declares, that the road truly is good.
FAQs About Uzo Aduba
Q1: Who is Uzo Aduba?
A: She is a Nigerian-American actress best known for her Emmy-winning role in Orange Is the New Black.
Q2: What awards has she won?
A: Multiple Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards in both comedy and drama.
Q3: What is Uzo Aduba’s latest project?
A: She stars in the Netflix series The Residence (2025) and published her memoir The Road Is Good (2024).
Q4: Who is Uzo Aduba’s husband?
A: Filmmaker Robert Sweeting.
Q5: What is Uzo Aduba’s heritage?
A: She is proudly of Igbo Nigerian descent and celebrates both her Nigerian and American roots.
