Pernell Walker

Pernell Walker born September 19 1980 is an American actress known for her impactful performances in film television and theater Hailing from the South Bronx Walker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from City College and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School Walker first garnered attention with her breakout role as Laura in Pariah 2011 an awardwinning Focus Features film directed by Dee Rees Her performance earned critical acclaim and established her as a compelling presence in independent cinema She further showcased her versatility with roles in television series such as The Deuce 20172019 where she portrayed Ruby Thunder Thighs and City on a Hill 20212022 in which she played Grace Campbell Her OffBroadway debut came with the world premiere of SEED 2011 and she has participated in stage readings like AcceptExcept directed by Tony and Emmy Awardwinning George Faison Her stage performances including roles in Singin Wid a Sword in Ma Hand and Post Prison Playdate reflect her commitment to powerful storytelling across mediums Walkers television credits include notable appearances in When They See Us 2019 directed by Ava DuVernay Law Order Special Victims Unit 2018 and Dietland 2018 She has also appeared in films like Lost Cat Corona 2017 and Ambitions Debt 2017 In recent years her work has continued to expand with roles in the Netflix series Ripley 2024 and the feature film Weekend in Taipei 2024