Last updated on: July 28, 2025
Let me tell you something I believe with my whole heart: Danielle Brooks isn’t just one of the most talented actresses working today—she’s one of the realest.
You know those performers who don’t just act but live their characters? The kind who makes you laugh, cry, and feel seen all in the same episode? That’s Danielle.
I’ve followed her career for years—from the moment she lit up Orange Is the New Black with her contagious smile to the way she stole the show in Peacemaker (no offense to Cena, but facts are facts). And the thing is, she doesn’t just play roles—she leaves a mark.
So today, I want to take you on a journey through her five most powerful, heartfelt, and unforgettable TV performances. Because once you get to know Danielle Brooks, you’ll never forget her.
Before We Dive In—Who Is Danielle Brooks, Really?
You’ve probably seen her. You just might not realize how much you’ve felt her.
Danielle was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and trained at the Juilliard School—you know, the place where serious actors go to become legends. She’s got Broadway in her blood too (she played Sofia in The Color Purple revival and got a Tony nomination for it).
But most of us got to know her as Taystee—the bright, hilarious, heartbreakingly human character from Orange Is the New Black.
And if you’ve ever watched Taystee deliver one of those soul-crushing monologues, you know Danielle Brooks can break your heart in the best way.
She doesn’t just act—she represents. Women. Black women. Queer women. Curvy women. All of us. And that’s what makes her TV work so deeply personal and unforgettable.
1. Peacemaker (2022–Present)
Danielle Enters the DC Universe with a Bang
Ever watch a superhero show and think, Okay, but who’s the one person here that actually feels real?
That’s Leota Adebayo—Danielle’s character in Peacemaker. She’s not a muscle-bound assassin. She’s not a tortured anti-hero. She’s… us. Thrown into chaos. Doing her best. And honestly? She ends up being the most grounded, relatable, and emotionally layered part of the show.
She plays Leota with such empathy and honesty—you can see the fear behind her eyes, the conflict in her voice, the hope she refuses to give up. She’s got a wife she adores, a mother she doesn’t quite trust (yep, that’s Amanda Waller), and a moral compass that keeps spinning in this wild world of violence and secrets.
And guess what? She holds her own against John Cena, Steve Agee, and the entire bonkers cast. No cape needed. Just heart.
2. Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)
The Role That Made the World Fall in Love with Taystee
Let’s be real—Taystee wasn’t just a character in Orange Is the New Black. She was the heart of the show.
From the first time she danced through Litchfield with that big, beautiful laugh to those devastating final seasons that left me sobbing, Taystee felt like someone I knew. A sister. A friend. A mirror.
Danielle poured everything into this role. Her portrayal of Taystee wasn’t about playing a prisoner—it was about showing the full humanity of someone who’d been forgotten by the system. Her joy. Her intelligence. Her trauma.
Her fight for justice after Poussey’s death? My God. I still remember sitting on the edge of my couch, fists clenched, wanting to scream at the screen because I felt what she felt.
This role earned her awards buzz, critical acclaim, and, most importantly, a permanent spot in the hearts of millions.
3. Close Enough (2020–2022)
Animation with Sass, Heart, and a Whole Lot of Pearle
Ever need a show that understands how ridiculous adulting is? That’s Close Enough. It’s weird. It’s wild. It’s hilarious. And it’s where Danielle Brooks shows off her comedy gold as Pearle Watson.
Pearle is everything: a landlord, a mom, a wife, and the ultimate no-nonsense queen. She’s the kind of character you wish lived next door, just so you could borrow sugar and get a dose of real talk while you’re at it.
Danielle gives Pearle so much personality with just her voice—you can hear every eye-roll, every smirk, every bit of love and exasperation packed into her words.
What I love most? She’s not just a sidekick. Pearle is fully formed. A Black, queer, working mom navigating the chaos of millennial life. And through all the absurdity, she stays real.
It’s proof that Danielle doesn’t need the screen—she just needs a microphone to shine.
4. Master of None: Moments in Love (2021)
Quiet, Soft, Devastating
This one’s a slow burn.
In the third season of Master of None, the whole vibe shifts. We move away from Dev and dive into the quiet, sometimes painful, story of Denise (played by Lena Waithe) and her partner. And in walks Danielle Brooks as Shari—a friend who gently but firmly tells the truth.
Her role is small, but powerful. She’s the kind of friend who shows up when things get messy. Not with judgment, but with clarity.
There’s a particular conversation between her and Denise that just… hits. You know those scenes that feel like they’re ripped out of a real-life argument you’ve had with someone you love? It’s like that.
Danielle plays Shari with restraint and softness. She’s not trying to steal the scene—she’s just present. And sometimes, that’s the most powerful thing an actor can do.
5. Project Runway (2019)
A Guest Judge with a Whole Lot of Heart
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Project Runway? That’s not even scripted! But hear me out—Danielle’s guest judge spot in Season 17 was honestly one of the most empowering moments I’ve seen on the show.
There she was—bold, beautiful, and completely in her element. As someone who’s always advocated for body positivity and inclusivity, Danielle used her platform to push the designers to think differently. To create for real women, not just the sample-sized fantasy.
Her feedback was compassionate but honest. She didn’t sugarcoat things, but she didn’t tear anyone down either. And that balance? That’s rare.
Watching her on Project Runway reminded me that Danielle isn’t just a performer. She’s a changemaker.
Where You Can Watch All These Gems
(Trust Me, You’ll Want To)
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Peacemaker → Max
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Orange Is the New Black → Netflix
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Close Enough → Max
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Master of None: Moments in Love → Netflix
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Project Runway (Season 17) → Bravo or streaming on Peacock
Honestly, even if you start with just one, you’ll get it. She draws you in. She moves you.
Why Danielle Brooks Is the Actress We Didn’t Know We Needed—But Absolutely Do
Here’s the thing about Danielle Brooks: She doesn’t demand the spotlight. She earns it. With every role, she brings a little more of herself—her warmth, her strength, her joy, her truth.
She represents so many of us who don’t always see ourselves onscreen. She’s curvy and beautiful. She’s bold and soft. She’s funny and tragic and everything in between. And she never, ever phones it in.
In an industry that still often asks women to shrink themselves—literally and figuratively—Danielle Brooks refuses. She stands tall. She takes up space. And she reminds us that we can, too.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this—it’s that Danielle Brooks is not just “one to watch.” She’s the one you should’ve been watching all along.
These five shows? They’re not just good television. They’re a masterclass in how storytelling can change you. Make you laugh. Make you think. Break your heart and then sew it back together.
So grab your remote, pick a show from the list, and dive in. I promise—by the time the credits roll, you’ll be saying what I’ve been saying for years
