For years, Danielle Brooks provided one of the rawest and most emotional performances as Taystee on Orange is the New Black, but her acting career is far more varied than one might expect. Through voice roles and on the stage, Danielle's work has seen her grow and develop artistically and personally.
While it is yet to be confirmed if she will return for a season 2 of Peacemaker, fans of the actress can look for some of her best roles and performances (as rated by IMDB) to see her deliver the goods.
Eat Wheaties! (2020) - 6.1
Rent On Apple TV
This under-the-radar film stars Arrested Development's Tony Hale as a suburban dad who attempts to reconnect with old college friends - including celebrity Elizabeth Banks. When no one believes he knew the actress, he struggles to prove it while dealing with the belief he is just celebrity-obsessed. Eat Wheaties! is a cringe comedy film for the internet age.
While Tony is the star of this film, Brooks puts in an excellent performance as Wendy. As a friend and confidant, she does great work as someone dealing with a slow collapse of a close one's life - and trying to help in her own way.
The Angry Birds Movie (2016) - 6.3
Stream On FXNow
Danielle Brooks is a performer known for her physical presence, but her voice work has also earned her notice. In The Angry Birds Movie, she voices Olive Blue, mother to the three precocious young birds Jay, Jake, and Jim.
Brooks's voice provides warmth and kindness to the character that truly underpins the emotion you want from a children's movie.
Clemency (2019) - 6.5
Stream On Hulu & Kanopy
In stark contrast to the previous entry, Clemency is a film that follows Alfre Woodard as the warden of a jail. As she oversees the execution of an inmate, she struggles with the realities and difficulties of being faced with taking a life.
Danielle Brooks' role in this film is as the girlfriend of the inmate. As the ex and mother of his child, she provides a heartbreaking performance that deals with the grim reality of modern policing and prisons.
Karma's World (2021) - 6.8
Stream On Netflix
In a more recent role, Brooks voices Dr. Lillie Carter-Grant in Karma's World. As the mother of the titular child, she gives a guiding and tender warmth for Karma. This children's show is intended to motivate young artists, especially artists of color, to be creative and kind.
The series, co-created by Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, follows a young girl on her journey through childhood as she sings and writes music that captures the many moments of her youth. The rap star also provides his voice to Karma's father, providing his own lyrical and emotional guidance to the family.
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (2021) - 7.4
Stream On Hoopla
As a daytime television host and journalist, Robin Roberts has been a notable figure for her race. As a Black woman, she experienced her own struggles entering both fields and has spent much of her time recognizing those that have also struggled.
In Roberts' special production on the life of Mahalia Jackson, Brooks is the star of the show. Her portrayal of the gospel singer provides unique insights into the crooner's experience melding Christian music with the civil rights movement.
Close Enough (2020) - 8.0
Stream On HBO Max
This series of comedy shorts comes from the creators of the Regular Show, with Close Enough loosely follows a couple transitioning from their 20s to their 30s and the awkwardness that accompanies it. As Pearle, Brooks provides a strong and boisterous voice, the landlord of the main cast.
Her role is unlike most others of its kind - a landlord who was a former police officer, who remains on close with her tenants. But Brooks' performance suites the intricacies of the comedic performance well.
Orange is the New Black (2013-2019) - 8.1
Stream On Netflix
Taystee is one of the most iconic characters in Orange is the New Black, as well as one of the most iconic performances of Danielle Brooks' career thus far. For nearly a decade, Taystee was an emotional core to the Litchfield Penitentiary. This series about a women's correctional facility is one of the most popular and notable shows with a female showrunner.
Brooks' performance earned her dozens of nominations and accolades alongside her powerhouse co-stars such as Uzo Aduba, Kate Mulgrew, and Lorraine Toussaint. Taystee's story is deeply moving and humanizing, built upon an incredible performance that fully understands the themes of crime and punishment that OitNB explores.
Master of None (2015-Present) - 8.2
Stream On Netflix
Aziz Ansari's some fantastic best guest stars, but Brooks' turn as Shannon was a mark above most.
As Shannon, Dev's agent, Brooks is a no-nonsense counterpart to his all-nonsense sense of humor. Her performance has streaks of Taystee in the mix, but Shannon's refinement and focus clearly flex Brooks' acting chops.
The Public's Much Ado About Nothing - 8.4
Not Available To Stream
The Public is one of New York City's earliest nonprofit theaters, and to this day it provides the city with incredible performances and stagings. Danielle's performance as Beatrice in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing was recorded by PBS' Great Performances series.
Brooks' confidence and presence synchronize with the character, building into a performance befitting the recording. For any fan of stage or the bard, this is an incredible show to see.
Peacemaker (2022-Present) - 8.5
Stream On HBO Max
It should come as no surprise that one of the most popular shows today is one of Danielle Brooks' highest-rated performances on IMDB. Brooks gives a stellar performance as the awkward, anxious, and eager-to-please Leota Adebayo in Peacemaker. The newest member of the special-ops team that oversees Peacemaker, Leota quickly becomes one of the few that the titular antihero trusts.
Just because the show is popular and vulgar doesn't mean the performances aren't good. Brooks gives Adebayo a very moving performance as she becomes more ingrained and conflicted with her role in the acts of violence that the team is required to commit.