“The Residence” star Uzo Aduba and her publicist, Rachel Karten, visited USC on October 9 to discuss Aduba’s rise in the entertainment industry. Over the span of her career, Aduba has won three Primetime Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and one Tony Award nomination.
In a conversation moderated by renowned professor Mary Murphy, the “Miss Virginia” star described the many triumphs and tribulations she experienced throughout her acting career.
The Tony-nominated actress explained that her journey to success was not linear and she initially struggled to land roles in film. After auditioning for the hit show “Orange Is the New Black,” she was cast as the beloved character Crazy Eyes.
“There are going to be times of harvest and times of planting. That’s life,” said Aduba. “When you’re in the planting season and not yet the reaping season, find that stabilizing force. Find something outside of this to fill you up.”
The “Orange Is the New Black” star described the importance of having a strong support system on the quest for success. Aduba credits her late mother Nonyem Aduba as a grounding force in her acting journey. Aduba released the critically acclaimed book “The Road is Good: How a Mother’s Strength Became a Daughter’s Purpose” which explored how Aduba’s mother shaped her success.
“I think a huge piece of life — whatever industry you go into — is finding that support system,” said Aduba. “My mom was my greatest cheerleader, and on many days, I really did not believe that this woman had that much belief in me. Continue to pour into [your support system] so they pour into you.”
Publicist Rachel Karten described how special it was to witness Aduba’s rise to stardom. When Aduba first met with the “Orange Is the New Black” cast, Karten was confident Aduba would learn from talented actors. From working to connect Aduba to prominent Hollywood figures to watching her become one of them, Karten said she knew Aduba was destined for greatness.
“It was such a great group of women who were known as actors. And I’m like, this is great for her to be around and we’re going to take advantage of that,” said Karten. “It’s such an incredible cast of the top actors in their game. And Uzo is amongst them. She fit in perfectly and that’s where she was supposed to be.”
Karten discussed her career representing stars such as Aduba, Tracy Ellis Ross and Kathy Bates. She described the importance of understanding each of her clients’ identities and cultivating a strong relationship rooted in vulnerability and honesty. This allows her to successfully support them in navigating the Hollywood industry.
“When it comes to my job, Uzo is not working on her character. She has to be herself and that is such a vulnerable place for every actor. They have to be fully prepared for the hard questions that could come at them,” said Karten. “I feel like I am a chameleon with all of my clients and I have a very specific personality with each of them.”
During the Q&A session, students asked Aduba and Karten about staying grounded and authentic to themselves in their creative pursuits. Both women encouraged students to embrace themselves and find people to nurture their gifts.
“Find the thing that you love that is not just a job. Be yourself, and try not to be like anybody else,” said Karten.
Aduba added that it is important for students to use college to embrace their uniqueness and build a network of people who can celebrate their milestones.
“At a younger stage in life, it’s easy to feel like your unique thing are hindrances rather than gifts. That thing you feel you want to shy away from — sit in it, embrace it. That’s you,” said Aduba. “If you’re not working, find joy and inspiration in what you want to do. Have a group of people…that will fuel you.”
Students asked how to maintain resilience while navigating the shifting Hollywood industry and decline in productions. Aduba encouraged students to invest in themselves and band together for growth.
“I encourage young people to take ownership of their own stories, to continue creating on their own and invest in themselves if they’re working behind the scenes,” said Aduba. “Find other people who are like-minded, collaborate, and build together. Because if you build with people, you can grow up together in this business.”