We may not recognize the name, but Deborah Ayorinde was the side-piece we all wanted to punch in acclaimed comedy, Girls Trip, and yes she is of Nigerian descent.
The British-Nigerian actress, alongside Tony Award winner, Cynthia Erivo and Zackary Momoh have been cast to star in Focus Features‘ biopic about Harriet Tubman titled, Harriet. This adds to the original cast of the biopic, which includes Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, and Clarke Peters.
A few weeks ago, it was announced that Erivo will be playing the role of Harriet and now, it’s thrilling to know there will be more Nigerian actors jumping on the bandwagon. Momoh (Seven Seconds) will play her husband. Luke Cage star, Ayorinde’s role is yet to be disclosed, however, we’re really looking forward to seeing what we’re sure will be fantastic performances from all of them.
The upcoming movie, centered on the life of freedom fighter and abolitionist, follows Tubman on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to visit slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity.
Harriet Tubman was instrumental in the abolition of slavery in America, as she was the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war, which liberated more than 700 slaves. She has been honoured several times by historians, and is even set to be on the face of the 20 dollar bill.
