Netflix’s latest thriller, The Residence, is giving us all the White House mystery vibes, and it’s impossible not to be drawn into the intrigue. In this gripping series, Uzo Aduba plays the sharp-witted Detective Cordelia Cupp, who finds herself investigating a murder within the walls of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. With 157 possible suspects, Cordelia has her hands full, and fans can’t get enough of Uzo’s captivating performance. But who exactly is this powerhouse actress, and how did she step into the role of the whodunit’s lead?
Getting to Know Uzo Aduba
Let’s rewind a bit and talk about Uzo’s journey. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in the nearby town of Medfield. Her love for acting began at an early age, and she followed her passion by studying classical voice at Boston University. Initially, her focus was on theater, where she quickly gained recognition for her incredible stage presence. But it wasn’t long before she made the leap to television and film, bringing her unique talent to a much wider audience.
Uzo Aduba’s Journey Before ‘The Residence’
Uzo’s breakout role came in 2013 when she was cast as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in the hit series Orange Is the New Black. Her performance in the show was nothing short of extraordinary, earning her multiple Emmy Awards. Interestingly, just before landing that role, Uzo had considered walking away from acting altogether and pursuing a career in law. Can you believe that?
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Uzo once shared her story on The Talk in October 2024. “I got home that day and decided I was quitting,” she confessed. “I turned on Oprah’s Master Class, and Lorne Michaels, the creator of SNL, was talking about the early struggles of the show. He said, ‘I decided to keep the faith,’ and those words resonated with me so deeply.” She went on to explain that as she was about to post those words on social media, her phone rang with the offer to join Orange Is the New Black. Talk about perfect timing!
Uzo’s career has been nothing short of impressive. Besides Orange Is the New Black, she’s also delivered unforgettable performances in Mrs. America, In Treatment, and Painkiller. Each role has showcased her versatility and depth as an actress.
Uzo Aduba Opens Up About Taking On Her Role in ‘The Residence’
Uzo shines brightly in The Residence as Detective Cordelia Cupp, but she admitted that stepping into this role wasn’t without its challenges. “Taking on this part was definitely daunting,” Uzo revealed in an interview with Netflix ahead of the series premiere on March 20, 2025. “But that’s what makes it exciting. If you aren’t a little scared of what’s being placed in front of you, then maybe you’re not doing the right part. I was definitely figuring out how to tackle this because it’s a dense bit of material.”
She continued, “Cordelia talks and thinks so fast, and I had to really work on keeping up with that pace. It’s just so quick, how Cordelia thinks and puts pieces together, then moves them. She does not miss a beat, and I was drawn to that. I was drawn to the idea of keeping up with her pace and the pace of this world.”
Uzo also praised the unique blend of humor and drama in the series. “This is subject matter that typically should not be laughed at, but it’s told with so much humor and levity through a variety of characters. It’s a dense, yet funny, piece of work. As an actor, we love things that break the mold and offer the unexpected. That’s what makes it so exciting.”
All eight episodes of The Residence are now available to stream on Netflix, and fans can’t get enough of Uzo’s incredible performance.
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