The Indomitable Uzo Aduba on Living a Full and Rounded Life: "You Must Bet on You"
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It's been a big year for Orange Is the New Black star Uzo Aduba, who won both a SAG Award and an Emmy for her performance as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in the hit Netflix series. At both ceremonies, Uzo delivered tearful, heartfelt acceptance speeches that had us crying along with her, and she has offered up more than a handful of inspiring advice in interviews since getting her big break on the show.
In her latest chat with Darling magazine, Uzo reflects on her hugely successful past 12 months and gives incredible, motivating tips on finding your passion, conquering your fears, and achieving your goals. It's clear that she's not losing her spot on our girl-crush list anytime soon. Keep reading for highlights from her interview, then be sure to check out Darling magazine's Winter issue online and on newsstands Nov. 16.
- Describing 2015 in one word: "I would describe this last year in one word: blessing. Blessing, gift, magic — a magical gifted blessing. That's not a word! [laughs]."
- On feeling grateful to be able to live her dream: "I live in New York City . . . every single day there are people getting off buses, trains, planes, coming to New York to pursue what it is that they love, and to have the gift to be able to do that . . . it's not lost on me that that's not the favor that I see every day, so I'm appreciative and grateful. To be a part of something that I also believe in and love doing in terms of the show — and now shows — that I'm doing and the experiences that I get to have, it just feels magical, just magical. Like, rabbits coming out of hats or something."
- On why she loves playing Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren: "There's something really intriguing about trying to get into the framework of the mind of someone who is so grossly misunderstood from the outside, and could be quickly and easily written off without a passing glance, and realizing that she's someone who actually has a heartbeat, has an authenticity, an individuality and an honesty. Despite the missteps, there's no agenda there; it's not done with manipulation. They're just trying to do the best that they can that day."
- On her advice to women trying to achieve their dreams: "The first thing I'd say is to be sure to remove any of the traditional conventions that surround success, money, status, title, all of those things, and think what it is that you just like to do. I love to act. I love to make art. And, between you and I, you wouldn't have to pay me to do it; I love to do it. I love it that much. The thing you can't imagine yourself not doing is the easiest trigger point to passion."
- On conquering fear: "I think a variety of reasons make women not pursue their passions: fear, commitments to relationships, family . . . I do believe that we as women should be able to explore and do whatever it is that motivates and drives us, and be able to have a full and incorporating life and lifestyle. The burden should not be exclusively on us to provide all the parts that surround a rounded life. I think women should pursue and attack whatever it is that satisfies them in their life. Also, I'd tell women that you must bet on you. If you want to make your passion your work, then you must be prepared to work hard on your passion. Forget about if no one else can bet on you, forget about if nobody believes. If you believe, that is the only thing you need to carry in your soul."
- On keeping herself grounded and how fame has changed her idea of achievement: "You have to keep yourself surrounded by people who will tell you the truth, even if it's not something you want to hear. You have to be able to hear it and believe that they have all of your best interests in mind. I think the point is to not get so caught up in the idea of you, versus who you actually are."