De'Adre Aziza

De'Adre Aziza is a versatile actress known for her dynamic performances on stage and screen. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Florida, where she developed a love for the arts at a young age. After graduating from the University of Florida, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.

Aziza made her Broadway debut in the 2008 revival of Passing Strange, a rock musical that explores the experiences of a young black musician in Europe. She played the role of Edwina, the protagonist's mother, and received critical acclaim for her performance. The New York Times praised her "powerful voice and commanding presence," while Variety called her "a standout" in the cast.
Aziza continued to make a name for herself in the theater world with her performances in a variety of productions. She appeared in the off-Broadway play Skeleton Crew in 2016, which tells the story of a group of auto workers facing an uncertain future. The New York Times again praised her performance, calling her "a magnetic presence" on stage.
In addition to her work on stage, Aziza has also made a name for herself in film and television. She had a recurring role on the HBO series Vinyl in 2016, playing the character of Devon's friend Ingrid. She also appeared in the film Mother of George in 2013, which tells the story of a Nigerian couple living in Brooklyn.
Aziza's talents extend beyond acting as well. She is also a talented singer and songwriter, and has released her own music under the name De'Adre. Her music is influenced by a variety of genres, including jazz, soul, and R&B.
Most recently, Aziza appeared in the Broadway production of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical in 2018. The musical tells the story of the legendary singer's life and career, and Aziza played the role of Mary Gaines, one of Donna's backup singers. The show received mixed reviews from critics, but Aziza's performance was once again praised. The Hollywood Reporter called her "a standout" in the cast, while the New York Post said she "brings the house down" with her rendition of "MacArthur Park."